According to Allied Market Research, the clean label ingredients market reached $38.8 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $64.1 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. Among them, natural food colorants are experiencing a golden period of development. Fact.MR predicts that the global natural food colorants industry's sales will reach $17 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 7% (compared to a 4% compound annual growth rate from 2016 to 2020). Anthocyanins, which provide various colors such as red, blue, and purple, are leading the sales of natural food colorants with a 6% compound annual growth rate.
1. Consumer Demand for Clean Label and Natural Food Colorants
In today's health-conscious and ingredient-savvy world, consumers are increasingly seeking clean label products that offer transparency, natural ingredients, and minimal processing. One area that has witnessed a significant shift in consumer preference is food colorants. The demand for clean label and natural food colorants has been on the rise, driven by various factors. This article explores the growing consumer awareness of potential health risks associated with synthetic food colorants, the subsequent shift towards natural alternatives, and how this demand for transparency and natural ingredients is influencing the food industry to adopt clean label practices.
1.1 Consumer Preference for Clean Label Products
Consumers are now more than ever concerned about the ingredients in the foods they consume. They seek products that align with their health goals, dietary restrictions, and ethical values. Clean label products, which provide clear and concise ingredient lists without artificial additives or chemical-sounding names, have gained significant popularity. The desire for clean label foods stems from the belief that natural and recognizable ingredients are safer and healthier for consumption.
1.2 Health Risks Associated with Synthetic Food Colorants
Synthetic food colorants have long been used to enhance the visual appeal of various processed foods and beverages. However, increasing scientific research and consumer awareness have shed light on potential health risks associated with these artificial additives. Some synthetic colorants have been linked to allergies, hyperactivity in children, and other adverse health effects. As a result, consumers are now more cautious and inclined to avoid products containing artificial colorants, seeking safer and more natural alternatives.
1.3 Shift towards Natural Alternatives
The growing awareness of potential health risks has prompted consumers to seek natural alternatives to synthetic food colorants. Natural colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, spices, and other plant-based sources offer vibrant and appealing hues without the perceived risks associated with their synthetic counterparts. Consumers are drawn to the idea of using nature's own palette to add color to their food, and they perceive natural colorants as being inherently safer and healthier.
1.4 Influence on the Food Industry
Consumer demand for transparency and natural ingredients has had a profound impact on the food industry. Food manufacturers and brands have responded by reformulating their products to replace synthetic colorants with natural alternatives. The industry has witnessed a surge in the development and availability of natural food colorants, catering to the growing consumer demand for clean label options. Companies are now investing in research and innovation to create stable, high-quality natural colorants that meet both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
Moreover, the demand for clean label and natural food colorants has extended beyond the traditional processed food industry. Natural colorants are increasingly finding applications in a wide range of products, including beverages, dairy products, confectionery, baked goods, and even pet food. This diversification reflects the desire for clean label options across different segments of the market.
In summary:
The increasing consumer preference for clean label products and the rising awareness of potential health risks associated with synthetic food colorants have driven the demand for natural alternatives. Consumers seek transparency, natural ingredients, and minimal processing in the products they purchase. The food industry has responded by embracing clean-label practices and developing a wide array of natural food colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources. As this trend continues to shape consumer choices, it presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration between food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and regulatory bodies, ultimately resulting in a more transparent and naturally colorful food market.
2. Benefits of Natural Food Colorants
Natural food colorants provide a range of benefits, including health and safety, nutritional value, antioxidant properties, clean label appeal, and environmental considerations:
Health and Safety: Natural colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources are generally considered safe for consumption. They provide an alternative to synthetic colorants, which have raised concerns regarding potential health risks. By choosing natural colorants, consumers can enjoy vibrant and visually appealing foods without worrying about potential adverse effects.
Nutritional Value: Many natural colorants contain vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds that contribute to their vibrant hues. For example, beetroot-derived colorants provide not only a rich red color but also essential nutrients like folate and iron. Using natural colorants allows consumers to incorporate additional nutritional value into their diets without relying solely on artificial additives.
Antioxidant Properties: Certain natural colorants, such as those derived from berries and dark leafy greens, are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. By incorporating natural colorants with antioxidant properties into their diets, consumers can potentially support their overall health and well-being.
Clean Label Appeal: Natural colorants align with the clean label trend, as they are derived from recognizable and familiar sources. Consumers increasingly prefer products with transparent and understandable ingredient lists. By using natural colorants, food manufacturers can cater to this demand and enhance the clean label appeal of their products, instilling trust and confidence in consumers.
Environmental Considerations: Natural colorants often have a lower environmental impact compared to their synthetic counterparts. The extraction and production processes for natural colorants typically require fewer chemical additives and have a smaller ecological footprint. Choosing natural colorants contributes to sustainability efforts and aligns with consumers' growing concern for the environment.
By opting for natural colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources, consumers can enjoy visually appealing foods without compromising their health or the environment. Food manufacturers can meet consumer demands for clean label and sustainable products by incorporating natural colorants into their formulations. As the awareness and preference for natural ingredients continue to grow, the utilization of natural food colorants will likely increase, offering a healthier and more environmentally friendly approach to adding vibrant colors to our food.
3. Main Coloring Components and Natural Sources
a. Natural Blue
Main Components: Anthocyanins, Phycocyanin
Anthocyanins are water-soluble substances that are pH-sensitive. They can change color from red or purple to blue, green, or colorless with increasing pH. By controlling pH, natural blue pigments can be produced.
Phycocyanin, found in spirulina, exhibits blue color. Spirulina extract containing phycocyanin has obtained Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) certification and can be used in various applications such as candies and ice creams. However, it is sensitive to heat and pH.
b. Natural Brown
Main Component: Caramel (Class of Melanoidin)
Caramel is produced by heating carbohydrates and is water-soluble. It is stable to light and heat. Caramel can be classified into four types:
- Class I: Should not use sulfites or ammonium salts during the processing.
- Class II: Sulfites are allowed, but ammonium salts are not allowed.
- Class III: Ammonium salts are allowed, but sulfites are not allowed.
- Class IV: Both sulfites and ammonium salts are allowed.
c. Natural Orange
Main Components: Bixin/Norbixin, β-Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Capsanthin
Annatto, derived from the seeds of the Bixa Orellana tree, is a major source of bixin. Annatto is native to northern South America and is now widely distributed in Southeast Asia and Africa. Bixin and Norbixin are lipid-soluble pigments belonging to the carotenoid family.
β-Carotene is an important member of the carotenoid family as it functions as a precursor to vitamin A. It is abundant in plants such as carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. Commercially available β-carotene is mainly extracted from algae, such as Dunaliella salina. It is a non-polar compound and a lipophilic substance. However, advanced emulsification techniques have successfully transformed it into a water-dispersible form for extensive use in water-based foods, including beverages.
Lutein is a member of the carotenoid family. It is widely distributed in nature, found in mushrooms, algae, seaweed, and some fish. The red, orange, and yellow colors of flamingo feathers are due to the consumption of food rich in lutein, including certain fish species. Lutein is a potent antioxidant. It is approved as a food and feed colorant in different countries, including the United States and the European Union. It can be used as red at higher concentrations and as orange at lower concentrations.
Lycopene is a red pigment present in many fruits, vegetables, and algae, including tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, and carrots. It is a member of the carotenoid family and has excellent antioxidant activity. Lycopene is an oil-soluble substance, but it is emulsified into a water-soluble form for many food applications. It can be used as orange at lower concentrations and as red at higher concentrations.
Capsanthin is an oil-soluble extract or oleoresin from red chili fruits. It is also emulsified into a water-soluble form for food coloring applications. The main coloring components are capsaicin and capsanthin, both of which belong to the carotenoid family. Capsanthin or chili powder extract exhibits shades of orange to red, depending on the concentration used.
d. Natural Yellow
Main Components: β-Carotene, Curcumin, Xanthophylls
Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, contains a rich yellow substance called curcumin in its root. Curcumin has multiple conjugated unsaturated double bonds in its molecular structure, resulting in strong antioxidant activity. Curcumin is bright yellow and used in many food applications.
Xanthophylls are members of the carotenoid family. Marigold petals are an excellent source of extracting xanthophylls. Xanthophylls play an important role in protecting the eyes from light damage. They impart a yellow color to chicken skin and egg yolk. Xanthophylls are oil-soluble substances, but they have been emulsified into water-dispersible forms for extensive use in water-based foods and feeds.
e. Natural Red
Main Components: Anthocyanins, Betalains, Lycopene, Carmine/Cochineal Extract
Various shades of red can be achieved with natural coloring components such as anthocyanins, betalains, lycopene, and carmine/cochineal extract.
f. Natural Purple
Main Components: Anthocyanins, Carmine/Cochineal Extract
Anthocyanins are primarily derived from grape concentrate and grape skin extract, providing purple hues.
g. Natural Green
Combination of Natural Blue and Natural Yellow, Chlorophyll
Natural green can be achieved by blending natural blue and natural yellow. Options for blue can include anthocyanins or spirulina blue, while options for yellow can include curcumin, β-carotene, saffron, and other natural colorants.
Chlorophyll is present in the green leaves and stems of plants. Chlorophyll copper sodium salt is a dark green to black powder obtained by replacing methyl and phytosterol groups of chlorophyll with alkali and copper. Chlorophyll copper sodium salt is stable to light and heat but has average pH stability.
h. Natural Black
Main Component: Vegetable Carbon
Vegetable carbon is derived from carbonized plant materials and transformed into a concentrated black liquid coloring agent, which is free-flowing and dispersible in applications. It exhibits excellent heat and light stability and is highly compatible with other natural colorants. It can be used in candies, baked goods, and ice creams.
g. Natural White
Main Component: Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is found in minerals such as calcite, limestone, and marble, as well as in pearls, eggshells, and marine organisms. It is highly stable to heat and light.
4. Mainstream Natural Colorant Brands:
a. Sensient
Sensient, a part of Sensient Technologies Corporation, has over 60 years of history and has introduced a range of natural colorant products such as Cardea™, COLOR CRYSTALS™, and UBERBEET™. In autumn 2021, the company's butterfly pea flower extract received FDA approval for use in various categories such as sports drinks, carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, dairy drinks, teas, gummies, candies, ice creams, and yogurts. The extract provides a stable blue color and exhibits stability to heat, light, and acid.
b. DDW (Diana Food)
DDW, founded in 1865 in New York, specializes in natural colorants, particularly caramel color for the beverage market. In 2021, DDW was acquired by EQT, a Swedish private equity company. DDW offers various natural colorants, including their Naturbrown® line, which is made from concentrated fruit or vegetable juice, and Amaize® red, derived from purple corn.
c. GNT
GNT, established in 1978 in Germany, produces natural colorants under the brand EXBERRY®. EXBERRY® offers a wide range of coloring foodstuffs derived from fruits, vegetables, and plants. They recently introduced EXBERRY® Shade Jade Green and EXBERRY® Shade Lime Green, both made from turmeric and spirulina, providing vibrant blue-green and yellow-green shades, respectively.
d. Oterra™ (formerly Chr. Hansen)
Oterra™, formerly known as Chr. Hansen, is a prominent player in the natural colorant market. They offer a range of natural colorant products, including FruitMax®, CapColors®, I-Colors®, DairyMax®, Strawberry Fragaria®, and ColorFruit®.
e. Royal Buisman
Royal Buisman, part of the PrinsenBerning group, specializes in natural caramel and caramel colorants. Their natural caramel products come in powder and liquid forms, without carrier materials, gluten, or acrylamide, making them suitable for clean label applications.
In summary:
The market for natural food colorants is growing rapidly, driven by the demand for clean label ingredients. With various natural sources and components available, manufacturers can create a wide range of vibrant and appealing colors in their food and beverage products. Brands like Sensient, DDW, GNT, Oterra™, and Royal Buisman offer a diverse portfolio of natural colorant solutions that comply with clean label requirements. As consumers increasingly prioritize natural and transparent food choices, natural food colorants play a vital role in meeting their expectations.
5. Future Outlook and Market Potential:
5.1 The Insights into the future growth prospects of the natural food colorants market
The natural food colorants market is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The increasing consumer demand for clean label products, coupled with the growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with synthetic colorants, has fueled the adoption of natural alternatives. As a result, the market for natural food colorants is expected to expand at a substantial rate.
Factors contributing to this growth include the shift towards healthier and more sustainable food choices, the rise of dietary preferences such as plant-based and vegan diets, and the emphasis on natural and minimally processed ingredients. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact of their food choices on personal health, the environment, and animal welfare. This awareness is driving the demand for natural colorants derived from plant-based sources.
Furthermore, the regulatory landscape is evolving to support the use of natural colorants and encourage clean label practices. Regulatory bodies are providing clearer guidelines and certifications for natural colorants, ensuring their safety and quality. This regulatory support contributes to the market's growth by providing a favorable environment for manufacturers and promoting consumer confidence in natural food colorants.
5.2 The emerging consumer trends, market drivers, and opportunities for innovation in the natural colorant industry
Emerging consumer trends play a crucial role in shaping the natural food colorants market. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are actively seeking products that offer nutritional benefits and are free from artificial additives. This trend opens up opportunities for innovation in the natural colorant industry.
One emerging trend is the demand for personalized nutrition and customization. Consumers are increasingly seeking products tailored to their specific dietary needs and preferences. Natural colorants offer the flexibility to create customized shades and hues, allowing manufacturers to cater to individual preferences and offer unique product experiences.
Another driver of market growth is the exploration of novel sources for natural colorants. Researchers and manufacturers are continuously investigating alternative sources, such as microorganisms, algae, and even waste products from the food industry. These sources offer the potential for new and sustainable colorant options, reducing waste and promoting circular economy practices.
Additionally, technological advancements are enabling improved stability, solubility, and application versatility of natural colorants. Techniques such as encapsulation and nanoemulsification are being explored to enhance the performance and shelf life of natural colorants in various food and beverage applications. These innovations open doors for expanded use of natural colorants in challenging products, including those with high heat processing or acidic conditions.
The market potential for natural colorants extends beyond the food industry. Natural colorants are increasingly being used in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and textile industries, providing further opportunities for growth and diversification.
Conclusion:
The future of the natural food colorants market looks promising, driven by increasing consumer demand for clean label products, health-conscious choices, and sustainable alternatives. The market is expected to witness significant growth, supported by regulatory advancements and innovations in sourcing, formulation, and application technologies. As consumer trends continue to evolve, manufacturers and researchers have the opportunity to explore new sources, customize products, and improve the performance of natural colorants. The natural colorant industry is well-positioned to meet the demands of a conscious and discerning consumer base, contributing to a brighter and more colorful future for the food and related industries.
