Abstract: Food casings or packaging impregnated and/or coated on the inside with at least one transferrable coloring and/or flavoring agent are provided. In some embodiments, the coloring and/or flavoring agent includes a hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), optionally an acid-hydrolyzed vegetable protein, a yeast extract, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for imparting a color to a food product, which in some embodiments can include maintaining the food product in the food casing or packaging impregnated and/or coated on the inside with at least one transferrable coloring and/or flavoring agent for a time and under conditions sufficient to impart a color to the food product, wherein the coloring and/or flavoring agent includes a hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), optionally an acid-hydrolyzed vegetable protein, a yeast extract, or a combination thereof.