Colorants are substances used to impart color to materials, including food, textiles, cosmetics, and plastics. They can be natural, derived from plants or minerals, or synthetic, created through chemical processes. Colorants play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of products and can also serve functional purposes, such as preserving freshness in food. In the food industry, colorants are often added to improve appearance and make products more attractive to consumers. Common examples include carotenoids from carrots and anthocyanins from berries. Regulatory bodies, like the FDA, oversee the safety and use of colorants to ensure they are safe for consumption.