Category: Natural colors

Color additive 160c, also known as paprika oleoresin, is a natural food coloring derived from the dried pods of the red pepper plant, Capsicum annuum. It is widely used in the food industry to impart vibrant red, orange, and yellowish hues to a variety of products. The primary color-imparting compounds in 160c are capsanthin and capsorubin, which are part of the carotenoid family.

For thousands of years, humans have colored their world using pigments derived from nature. The development of colorants from natural sources like insects and plants is a practice deeply embedded in history, demonstrating ingenious techniques long before synthetic dyes existed. This article explores what are two examples of natural colors, highlighting cochineal and indigo, and delving into their historical significance and unique properties.