Searching for a natural black food color? Don’t overlook cuttlefish ink!

Cuttlefish ink has been used as a natural black food color since medieval times. In Spain, it was famously adopted by the royal fleet as a substitute for saffron in seafood paella – a creative twist that unexpectedly gave birth to the globally loved black paella. While its culinary roots are well documented, what’s often overlooked is its value purely as a natural black food color.

Today, it’s widely embraced in countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia for its rich hue and clean-label appeal. If you’re in the food industry and exploring new natural color solutions, cuttlefish ink is definitely worth a closer look.

In addition to cuttlefish ink, several other ingredients are commonly used in the food and beverage industry as natural black food colors. These include alkalized dark cocoa, black sesame, and other deeply pigmented grains. Among them, a plant-based carbon black,  often referred to as vegetable carbon, has been one of the most widely adopted options.

Despite its widespread use, vegetable carbon has come under increasing regulatory and safety scrutiny. In the United States, it’s not approved for use in food products. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a possible animal carcinogen, and under the Delaney Clause, any substance shown to pose a cancer risk is prohibited as a food additive by the FDA. In Europe, some countries are beginning to revisit the safety of vegetable carbon as well. Italy’s Ministry of Health, for example, has taken a firm stance – banning the sale of any bread containing vegetable carbon from being labeled as “bread.”

So why not consider Cuttlefish ink?

Cuttlefish ink (or squid ink) is a water-soluble, natural black pigment extracted from the ink sacs of cuttlefish. It is traditionally used in Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines and is known for its rich umami flavor and distinctive black color.

Cuttlefish ink isn’t just for color – it’s packed with goodness. It’s a high-protein, low-fat ingredient with about three times more protein than milk, and nearly 40% of its amino acids are essential ones your body needs.

But there’s more to it than these nutrition components. Cuttlefish ink naturally contains compounds like tyrosine, dopamine, and DOPA – known to help with antioxidant activity – plus enzymes that may fight oxidative stress in the body.
Studies suggest these nutrients may help:

✅Support heart health and lower the risk of certain cancers^{【1】【2】}
✅Provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits^【3】
✅Offer potential in medical research, like drug delivery and nanomedicine^{【2】【3】}

And let’s not forget the flavor – Cuttlefish ink brings a smooth, briny richness that adds depth to dishes like seafood pasta, risotto, gourmet pizza, and even handmade breads. It’s a natural way to elevate both taste and nutrition.

Worried About That Fishy Smell? No Need.

Thanks to modern bio-tech, Binmei’s Cuttlefish ink juice and powder are carefully deodorized to eliminate any fishy odor – so your final product keeps its clean taste and appealing flavor. Ideal for everything from gourmet sauces to savory baked goods.

Why choose Binmei’s natural black food color: cuttlefish ink

✔ Safe, Quality Ingredients
We only select cuttlefish sacs that meet the raw material requirements. Our acceptance criteria include freshness, heavy metals, microorganisms, etc.
✔ Clean and Safe Processing
Made using physical methods like filtration and centrifugation – no chemicals, no solvents, just pure ink and water.
✔ Premium Quality & Stable Color
Fine powder with stable color, smooth texture, and excellent solubility for diverse food applications.
✔ Cost-Effective
High performance at a competitive price – ideal for large-scale food production.
✔ Odor-Free Innovation
Advanced deodorization process removes fishy smell without affecting taste or color.
✔ Full Traceability
From raw material to finished product, our supply chain is fully traceable, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.
✔ Certificate
Our cuttlefish ink has passed FSSC22000 and HALAL. If you need the newest certification, please contact us.

We help R&D teams explore more than color – we provide taste, culture, and functionality in one solution.
Ready to Try Cuttlefish Ink? Experience the dual benefits of natural color and health functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

【1】Neuroscience Institute, PMC4052311
【2】ACS Nano, 2023, DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12281
【3】Marine Drugs, PubMed ID: 29333051