In general, the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for preparing colorants useful for preparing pigmented hydrogels. The disclosure further relates to pigmented hydrogels comprising the disclosed colorants. In some instances, the colorant is an alcohol extract of an agro-material, such as turmeric, paprika, spinach, and/or woad or the colorants comprise one or more of: a carotenoid, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, a curcumoid, or indigorubin. Alternatively, the colorant can be carbon black. The disclosure further relates to contact lenses comprising the disclosed pigmented hydrogels.