Innovative Alternatives to Titanium Dioxide: The Rise of Structural Color

As food formulators are pressured to move away from synthetic dyes, they are exploring various alternatives. One key challenge is the replacement of titanium dioxide, a white pigment that has faced regulatory scrutiny. It is banned in the EU for use in foods and is under threat in several U.S. states. The search for suitable substitutes is imperative, yet the options are somewhat limited.

Current Alternatives and Limitations

Some existing alternatives to titanium dioxide include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and modified starches. Additionally, innovative cellulose-based pigments inspired by nature have emerged. However, no single product currently exists that can replicate titanium dioxide’s functionality in all food applications.

In response to this demand, startup Mirra is developing a novel approach to food coloring that promises to meet industry needs, according to CEO Elizabeth Bridges.

Understanding Structural Color

To grasp Mirra’s innovation, one must first understand what structural color is. As explained by Bridges, color is not simply an intrinsic property but arises from interactions between light, the object’s structure, and the observer’s perception. Unlike traditional pigments and dyes, structural colors are formed through the manipulation of light via micro- or nanostructures.

Bridges cites butterflies as a prime example: their wing scales produce vivid structural colors through complex shapes that manipulate light, contrasting with food pigments that primarily rely on light absorption.

The Stability of Structural Colors

One major advantage of structural colors is their stability. Traditional plant-based pigments tend to degrade with exposure to light, heat, and other environmental factors, often requiring high doses to achieve the vibrancy found in synthetic dyes. In comparison, structural colors offer a more stable solution, according to Bridges.

How Mirra’s Technology Works

Mirra’s structural color technology involves manipulating the size, spacing, and orientation of raw materials—specifically undisclosed vegetable proteins. “By assembling these materials correctly, we can create specific light refraction patterns,” Bridges noted.

This innovative technique is designed to achieve color effects that can either shift with the observer’s angle, similar to butterflies, or produce a consistent shade. The core of this technology was developed by Dr. Leila Deravi, who serves as Mirra’s chief scientific advisor.

Mirra’s methods for creating structural colors remain confidential as they have a pending patent. However, Bridges indicated that their approach aims to be economically feasible and scale effectively, countering the common perception that structural colors are prohibitively expensive.

Engaging with Industry Partners

Founded in July 2025 through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Climate Tech Studio, Mirra has conducted numerous interviews with food manufacturers to identify how they currently incorporate titanium dioxide in their processes. Bridges stressed the importance of integrating Mirra’s technology without requiring companies to overhaul their existing practices.

To ensure that their product delivers a low cost-in-use, Mirra is focused on creating highly potent materials, meaning small quantities yield significant color, preserving flavor and texture. Thus far, the company has leveraged non-dilutive grants and is now seeking pre-seed funding to advance its mission.

What is Titanium Dioxide?

👉 Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a naturally occurring mineral widely used in various consumer products, from gum to certain coffee creamers. It is processed into a fine white powder for industrial applications.

👉 Following the European Food Safety Authority’s findings in August 2022, TiO2 has been banned in food products in the EU, as it is no longer deemed safe as a food additive. Although still approved in the U.S., many companies are gradually phasing it out as part of their clean label commitments.

👉 The 2025 MAHA Commission report identified titanium dioxide as an additive of “potential concern,” emphasizing the urgency for alternatives.

Further Reading

• Impossible Materials raises $3.8m to develop titanium dioxide alternative ‘bio-inspired’ by beetles
• Fermentation will power next wave of natural colors say startups as FDA targets synthetic food dyes
• Are natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes getting better? In conversation with ADM
• Michroma and CJ CheilJedang partner to scale commercial production of natural colors via fermentation