What Is in Blue Raspberry Flavouring?

Blue raspberry is one of the most recognisable flavours in sweets, slushies, vapes and energy drinks. But here's the odd thing: blue raspberries don’t exist in nature. So what exactly is in blue raspberry flavouring—and where did it come from?

The flavour is a mix of artificial and sometimes natural compounds designed to mimic a tangy, slightly sweet berry profile. The colour is purely visual and has no connection to real fruit. Here’s what goes into that bold, electric-blue taste.

The Origin of Blue Raspberry Flavour

Blue raspberry as a flavour became popular in the 1970s, originally used in American ice pops and slush drinks. Manufacturers wanted to differentiate raspberry from cherry, strawberry, and watermelon, all of which were coloured red.

The solution? Use a blue dye—Brilliant Blue FCF (E133)—to stand out. The flavour was loosely inspired by whitebark raspberry (Rubus leucodermis), a wild berry with a slightly tart taste and dark purplish colour, but the actual flavour profile we know today is largely artificial.

What’s Actually in Blue Raspberry Flavouring?

The ingredients can vary slightly depending on the product (e.g. sweets vs vape liquids vs drinks), but most blue raspberry flavourings contain the following:

1. Artificial Flavour Compounds

These are chemicals that mimic the aroma and taste of raspberries and other berries. Common ones include:

• Ethyl formate – fruity and sweet

• Isoamyl acetate – similar to banana, adds roundness

• Benzyl acetate – contributes a berry-like aroma

• Ethyl maltol – enhances sweetness and gives a “candy” note

• Citric acid or malic acid – adds sourness and tang

These are all food-safe and widely used in the flavouring industry.

2. Sweeteners

To give it that syrupy, candy-like taste, manufacturers may use:

• Sugar

• Glucose syrup

• Artificial sweeteners (in sugar-free products)

3. Acids

These are added to mimic the tartness of real fruit and balance the sweetness:

• Citric acid

• Malic acid

• Tartaric acid

This combination creates the familiar tangy-sweet hit blue raspberry is known for.

4. Colouring

The bright blue hue comes from E133 (Brilliant Blue FCF), an artificial food dye approved in the UK and EU. In some products, it’s blended with red dye (E129 or E122) to create the right shade.

Is Blue Raspberry Natural?

In most cases, no. Blue raspberry flavour is typically synthetic, although some premium or organic products may use natural flavourings extracted from real berries, like raspberry, blueberry or blackberry.

That said, even when labelled “natural”, these flavourings are often distilled and modified to achieve consistency, not sourced directly from a specific fruit.

Where Is Blue Raspberry Used?

It’s commonly found in:

• Sweets (gummies, lollipops, sherbets)

• Fizzy drinks and energy drinks

• Slushies and ice pops

• Vape liquids

• Protein powders and supplements

• CBD oils and gummies

The appeal lies in its bright colour, bold taste, and nostalgic feel—especially in products aimed at younger or adventurous audiences.

Is It Safe?

Yes, all ingredients in blue raspberry flavouring are considered safe for consumption within regulated limits. However, some food dyes (like E133) can cause reactions in people with sensitivities, and certain additives may be restricted in children's food under EU and UK guidelines.

If you're concerned about artificial additives, check product labels for “natural flavourings” or look for versions without synthetic colours or sweeteners.

Final Word

Blue raspberry flavouring is a blend of sweeteners, acids, artificial flavour compounds, and food colouring—not something found in nature, but carefully designed to taste tangy, fruity and fun. While the name suggests something exotic, it's really the result of clever food science and marketing.

Whether it’s in your vape, sweets, or drink, blue raspberry is all about boldness and novelty, not authenticity. And for many, that’s exactly the appeal.