Why Some Raspberry-Flavored Things Are Blue

The popularity of blue raspberry as a flavor really took off in the 1970s thanks to two brands in particular, according to Bon Appétit: ICEE and Otter Pops. ICEE debuted its blue raspberry flavor in 1970 or 1971, and Otter Pops released their blue raspberry popsicle around the same time. The popularity of the flavor spread, and now there are blue-raspberry-flavored Twizzlers and Jolly Ranchers, among other treats. ICEE used a dye called FD&C Blue No. 1, also called Brilliant Blue FCF, according to Allrecipes. The flavor’s success can be attributed to the fact that the blue color stood out from other red fruit flavors, and that bright colors are especially attractive to children. Pink lemonade sells better than regular lemonade, for example.

There is actually something like a blue raspberry in nature: the whitebark raspberry (Rubus leucodermis). This plant grows to the west of the Rocky Mountains, from Mexico to Alaska, according to The Manual. However, its color is more blue to purple than a bright blue. Whether brands like ICEE and Otter Pops were inspired by the real thing remains unclear, according to Allrecipes.

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