The use of natural pigments, such as Carmine, is increasing in the food industry applied as a coloring, compared to Red 40, which is a synthetic colorant.
The Red 40, also known as Allura Red or E-129, is the number one colorant applied by the confectionery industry un the US. This synthetic water-soluble reddish powder is made from petroleum, and while the FDA (United States) has approved this coloring to be applied in cosmetics, drugs, and food, this product has been banned in several countries in the EU given its potential negative side effects.
A few years in the past, synthetic or artificial colorings were very popular, since they could be used to formulate a wide range of products with appealing colors at low cost. Nowadays, however, given current health issues occurring in some countries and global trends towards natural and organic alternatives, these products have been replaced by natural colorings. Some of these natural colors include Carmine, Annatto, Chlorophyll and Paprika.
As a result, industries are increasingly switching to natural alternatives, such as cochineal-based carmine, which can be used in drinks, syrups, candies, ice creams, sweets, cookies, sauces, sausages, dairy products, among others.
At Imbarex, we offer our clients different varieties of top-quality natural colorings, such as carmine laca, water-soluble carmine, liquid carmine, and carminic acid. We offer specific solutions our clients’ products, depending on pH and solubility, or any other requirements they might need.
For further information, please contact us here.
