To give a fair answer, we should clear about there are 2 kinds of food colorants, natral and artificial ones. Natural colorants are mainly extracted from plant tissues and animal bodies. Artificial colorants refer to the organic pigment made by means of artificial synthesis.
In food industry, artificial colorants is widely used. Take red color for example, monascus one safe natural one to health, often used in is used in sausage and hams, etc. Ice creams are usually added with carmine red and acid red 27(915-67-3). At present, they are used at most kinds of red food, except for meat. Take acid red 27 for example, it is in the form of dark brown powder or particles without odor. It is resistive to light and heat, not suitable to unfermented food. It remains stable mixed with citric acid and tartaric acid.
Though artificial color is popular, it's may disturb intelligence development for kids. If you have kids, do not bring them to colorful candies or creams.