Naturex develops stable, naturally sourced beverage colouring

Naturex has developed a stable colouring system for yellow and orange drinks, expanding its range of naturally sourced pigments to offer carotenoid-based colours that are more resistant to light and oxidation.

The stability of β-carotene has been significantly improved by using a specific rosemary extract to prevent pigment degradation from light exposure.

“Rosemary extracts are well-known and largely used for their antioxidant properties,” explained Nathalie Pauleau, business manager at Naturex. “Our R&D team has developed a unique solution that combines antioxidants and natural β-carotene to offer an innovative, highly stable colour solution for beverage applications.”

The colour solution was on display at the annual IFT in Chicago as a colouring ingredient in a craft soda. The beverage, which contains celery juice and botanical ingredients associated with energy-boosting properties, also contains UPtaia — a foam stabiliser extracted from quillaia, an ingredient sustainably sourced and produced in Chile.