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Here’s the Surprising Reason Why McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Has a Golden Color
Published on May 23, 2025
There are plenty of times when you want to see bright, interesting colors in your food. Think: fresh salads, fruit platters and ornately decorated cupcakes. But when it comes to fast food, interesting colors can’t possibly be a good thing … or can they? Fans of McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich might say they can, because they’d recognize that one-of-a-kind golden-brown color anywhere.
But just where does the Filet-O-Fish’s distinctive color come from? It has a unique hue for a reason, and while you might be afraid to ask what it is, don’t be! There’s a lot more to it than you might initially think. Keep reading to find out what exactly gives the Filet-O-Fish its special golden color and what it means for devotees of the iconic McDonald’s sandwich.
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What’s in a Filet-O-Fish, exactly?
The Filet-O-Fish is a deceptively simple sandwich that has a unique taste all its own. It contains a breaded fish patty, tartar sauce (which is typically off-center) and half of a slice of cheese on a freshly steamed bun. Believe it or not, the recipe has been the same since 1961! When you order your Filet-O-Fish, you always know precisely what you’re going to get.
What gives the Filet-O-Fish that distinctive golden hue?
In an age of food dyes made from chemicals, it might come as a surprise that the Filet-O-Fish’s distinctive golden hue is all natural. Yes, you read that right! There are no artificial colors used to make your Filet-O-Fish look perfectly golden every single time. The color actually comes from a combination of paprika and turmeric, two spices with a long history of being used to make natural food coloring. Plus, frying the fish patty helps lock in that perfectly delectable golden brown color.
How did McDonald’s come up with this idea?
McDonald’s may have put the Filet-O-Fish on the map with its classic golden hue, but the fast-food restaurant definitely didn’t come up with the idea to use spices as food coloring. In fact, people have been using spices as natural dyes for thousands of years! Paprika, turmeric and saffron (which happens to be one of the most expensive spices in the world) are all from a family of chemical compounds called carotenoids, which are known for their vibrant colors. Carotenoids have been used to create paints, dye clothing and make natural food coloring in places like ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean and more, as early as 1500 BCE.
While it’s unclear if McDonald’s applies this nifty, natural to trick to any of its other menu items, it’s no surprise that the fast-food chain uses this method to give the Filet-O-Fish its color. It’s easy, and it requires just a little bit of these pantry-staple spices!
Does this mean a Filet-O-Fish is actually good for you?
Well, let’s not get crazy here. Yes, turmeric and paprika are loaded with potential health benefits, and turmeric, in particular, has been touted as a cure-all for everything from inflammation to cardiovascular disease to depression. It’s also great news that McDonald’s isn’t using any artificial dyes here. However, that doesn’t mean the Filet-O-Fish is good for you. The amounts of turmeric and paprika are negligible, and let’s not forget that this sandwich is made in a deep fryer.
Sorry, friends! But hey, life doesn’t always have to be healthy, does it? You have our full permission to enjoy your fresh, fried Filet-O-Fish and eat a big ol’ fruit platter the next day.
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Sources:
- Chowhound: “The Ingredients That Give McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Its Golden Color”
- McDonald’s: “Filet-O-Fish”
