FDA grants approval for spirulina extract in beverages

GNT has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the use of spirulina extract in beverages, enabling manufacturers to achieve vibrant blue shades while maintaining clean labels.

The company has developed a formulation technology that allows spirulina extract to remain temperature- and acid-stabilised in beverages. The EXBERRY Blue Beverage Solution is suitable for use in a wide range of applications including sports, energy and carbonated drinks, juice drinks, enhanced waters and alcoholic beverages below 20% ABV.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) had previously only permitted the use of spirulina extract as a natural blue colouring ingredient in certain food products and powdered beverages. However, GNT successfully petitioned the FDA to amend the regulation to cover all non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages below 20% ABV. The update will come into effect on 13 December 2022.

This means the EXBERRY Blue Beverage Solution can be used as a replacement for Blue 1 in the majority of drink applications. It delivers a bright turquoise blue shade in acidified beverages with a pH range between 2.6 to 3.4 and can be combined with other concentrates to deliver hues including navy blue, violet and green.