GNT Group and DDW The Color House report that natural colors are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among bakery products, according to trends observed by these two manufacturers. Although such hues require additional formulation work, they provide heat, light and pH stability and may offer advantages for product shelf life.
Produced through circular economy production methods that ensure waste is reused within the supply chain, they offer another form of environmental sustainability.
Colors from nature
Natural colors offer an appealing alternative to synthetic ones and can add significant value to natural products. Natural hues typically derive from fruits, vegetables, minerals or algae and some even come with certification of organic production or are GMO free.
Natural colors have wide-ranging applications in food and beverage production. In contrast with synthetic color additives like FD&C Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue #1 (Allura Red Tartrazine), which have been linked to hyperactivity among children and require special labeling in the EU, natural hues do not pose health or safety concerns.
Sensient’s range of natural red hues from natural dyes and fruit juices includes paprika solutions, annatto extracts and beet juice that provide bold and stable colors across a wide pH range, making them suitable for low-heat applications like ice creams and yogurts. Furthermore, GNT employs circular economy production practices so all pigment extracted from its raw materials remains in human food chains.
Natural colors in food
Color plays an integral role in food and beverage products, helping convey flavor, texture, aroma, visual appeal and consumers are increasingly seeking natural products without synthetic colors and dyes.
Natural colors come from various sources like vegetables, fruits, spices and algae, with hues spanning the gamut from green, yellow and red through purple to hue-shifting properties that adapt their structure based on pH levels in their environments.
Formulators using natural colors must consider various factors when formulating products with them, including interaction among leavening agents, processing conditions, finished product moisture content and shelf life stability. Furthermore, front-of-pack claims, certifications and regulatory requirements need to be taken into account as well. Luckily these versatile natural pigments come in both powdered and liquid formats allowing product developers to craft vibrant and flavorful treats!
Natural colors in cosmetics
Natural colors provide a safe, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes in cosmetic products, while increasing product appeal while meeting consumer demand for more natural and sustainable beauty solutions. Sourced from botanical sources, minerals or organic sources these vibrant hues resonate with today’s consumers who prize transparency when selecting beauty products and ingredients sourced from different sources.
Natural pigments can be safely integrated into both water- and oil-based products, and are suitable for alkaline, neutral, and acidic pH environments. Unlike synthetic dyes which may contain heavy metals such as lead or mercury, natural hues do not contain harmful substances like heavy metals that could pose health hazards.
IFC Solutions provides an impressive range of FDA Approved Natural Colorants in powder, liquid and dispersion forms – as well as being Non-GMO! Contact us to discover more about using these organic ingredients in beauty products; your customers will love the added vibrancy they add while your business will feel good knowing it’s contributing positively to our environment.
Natural colors in personal care
Now, more than ever before, people are opting for natural products; therefore the personal care industry has rediscovering the advantages of natural colors in its personal care products and cosmetics. Natural dyes and pigments can be found in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, body butters, face masks, hand creams, body scrubs, hand lotions and much more besides!
Many consumers favor natural products for their soft feel and to avoid synthetic dyes and ingredients that could contain dangerous chemicals. Though the FDA doesn’t officially define “natural”, its usage generally refers to colorants not subject to batch certification processes.
IFC Solutions offers an expansive selection of FDA-approved natural colors that can be combined to produce any shade desired for your products, from striking purple hues like Majestic Anthos(tm) to earthy brown tones like Sienna; our naturals portfolio offers an assortment of hues designed for use in natural products.
