Tag: Natural colorant

An estimated 70,000 cochineal insects are required to produce just one pound of red dye. This vibrant, long-lasting red dye, known as carmine, comes from a surprising source: the crushed bodies of female scale insects.

According to the Food Intolerance Network, allergic reactions to the food dye carmine, also known as E120, are becoming more frequently reported as its use in food and cosmetics increases. While generally considered safe for most people, the main effect of E120 on the body involves a risk of allergic and hypersensitivity reactions in a small percentage of individuals.

According to a 2024 report, the natural food colorants market is growing significantly due to consumer demand for natural and clean-label ingredients, bringing products like paprika oleoresin into the spotlight. This concentrated extract, derived from capsicum peppers, is widely used for its vibrant red hue. However, its manufacturing process has many questioning just how 'natural' it truly is.

With turmeric and its concentrated extracts soaring in popularity, consumer curiosity is growing regarding their safety. Turmeric oleoresin, a potent extract used in food and supplements, requires careful consideration due to its high concentration of active compounds, primarily curcuminoids.

Carrots were not originally orange; the first domesticated carrots from over 1,000 years ago were purple or yellow. The dark, reddish-purple pigment responsible for black carrot extract comes from these ancient varieties, primarily cultivated in Eastern regions like Turkey and Afghanistan.

Over 60% of spirulina's dry weight is high-quality, digestible protein, making this blue-green algae a powerful nutritional supplement. This makes it a popular ingredient for enriching various food products, but what is spirulina used for in food beyond just a protein boost?

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), annatto (E160b) is an authorized food additive in the European Union, with maximum permitted levels defined for specific food categories. The use of annatto in Europe is widespread, with a long history particularly in the coloring of cheeses.

While green spirulina is the whole dried algae, blue spirulina is a purified extract of its vibrant blue pigment, known as phycocyanin. This valuable compound undergoes a meticulous multi-step manufacturing process to isolate it from the parent algae for various culinary and wellness applications.

According to Yoplait's official website, while the majority of its products do not contain carmine, certain flavors do, and it is always disclosed on the ingredients list. Consumers wondering, 'does Yoplait yogurt contain carmine?' must therefore read labels carefully, as the presence of this natural red colorant depends on the specific yogurt variety.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), carmine dye is generally safe for consumption, but it must be explicitly labeled on food and cosmetic products. This requirement is due to a small but significant number of people who have severe allergic reactions, raising the crucial question: Is carmine dye unhealthy for everyone?