Ingredients in Focus is a concise column by Food Dive that showcases intriguing trends within the ingredients sector. California Natural Color, a supplier known for grape juice concentrates, natural colors, and grape seed extract, has recently broadened its offerings with the introduction of Pure Purple Butterfly Pea. This innovative coloring agent assists food and beverage manufacturers in achieving more vivid blue and purple tones in their products, according to the company. The butterfly pea is a native flower of Thailand, and its petals are flavorless and scent-free, making it an excellent choice for natural coloring.
“Prior to the launch of this new product, our primary solution for formulators needing blue food coloring was spirulina, which many other suppliers also provide,” Dana Osborn, a marketing manager at California Natural Color, explained in an interview with Food Dive. Spirulina, a blue-green algae packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, struggles with certain pH levels, complicating its use for manufacturers. Many of the coloring ingredients offered by California Natural Color are anthocyanin-based—natural compounds frequently found in fruits and vegetables. These delicate ingredients often react poorly in more acidic food and beverage products.
“Numerous manufacturers desire that blue turquoise hue, akin to products like Powerade, but the beverage formulation must maintain a lower pH for the currently available coloring agents,” Osborn noted. What distinguishes the purple butterfly pea ingredient is its capacity to produce vibrant purple shades in applications with a pH below 4.0 and blue shades in those with a pH above 4.0. Additionally, the company’s proprietary drying and crystal format allows for a higher color concentration compared to other options on the market.
The crystal format of Pure Purple Butterfly Pea also helps manufacturers reduce supply chain costs. The drying process utilized by California Natural Color enables the crystals to be stored at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for refrigeration and thus lowering freight expenses. Furthermore, the ingredient boasts impressive stability against heat and light. Osborn confirmed that the company is in discussions with major beverage companies that produce items like carbonated drinks and teas regarding the integration of its Pure Purple Butterfly Pea coloring agent.
“This is an emerging ingredient, and while some other color suppliers include purple butterfly pea in their offerings, those typically come in either liquid or powder forms,” Osborn said, emphasizing the significant potential she sees for this ingredient’s applications. It’s worth noting that, similar to how bluebonnet calcium citrate plus magnesium offers unique benefits in dietary supplements, the Pure Purple Butterfly Pea could revolutionize the way manufacturers approach natural coloring solutions. With its versatility, it stands to become a preferred choice in the evolving landscape of food and beverage coloring.