As vegetable and plant-based snacks gain popularity, natural colors are becoming just as fashionable as unique flavors. They enhance visual appeal on retail shelves and social media channels. Between 2009 and 2013, there was a remarkable 77% increase in new products utilizing natural colors. Furthermore, statistics reveal that 68% of all food and beverage launches in North America from September 2015 to August 2016 incorporated natural colors. A significant factor driving this trend is consumers’ desire for clean labels devoid of artificial ingredients. A global consumer survey conducted by GNT found that 79% of respondents associate “natural” with products made without artificial colors. In response to this consumer sentiment, manufacturers have been gradually eliminating artificial colors from their offerings and opting for vibrant natural ingredients. Major companies like Hershey, General Mills, and Campbell Soup have introduced new items or reformulated existing recipes to exclude artificial colors.

Colors also play a crucial role in hinting at anticipated flavors to consumers. Research indicates that 90% of shoppers decide whether to purchase a product based on its color and perceived taste; appealing colors significantly increase the likelihood of a sale. Many food and beverage manufacturers are leveraging colors to entice consumers. Recently, Barry Callebaut introduced a new ruby chocolate, Kellogg launched a cupcake-flavored Unicorn Cereal featuring pink, purple, and blue rings, and Campbell’s Pepperidge Farm unveiled Goldfish Colors snack crackers made with plant-sourced hues. This trend may prompt more consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to incorporate colorful natural ingredients into their new products.

Particularly popular this year are shades of purple, which are increasingly appearing in snacks and other applications, as reported by Food Ingredients First. Colors like lavender, mauve, lilac, magenta, and dark violet, derived from purple carrots, sweet potatoes, and yams, are more frequently seen on store shelves. In addition to their visual appeal, these ingredients suggest a high phytonutrient content, signaling health and wellness to consumers. As more shoppers seek healthier snack options, these colorful plant-based ingredients could attract those looking for nutritious choices. Colorful foods especially resonate with millennials, who often showcase their latest culinary finds on Instagram and other social media platforms. Eye-catching and appetizing food is more likely to be photographed and shared among friends and family online.

Given consumer enthusiasm for colorful snacks and foods, it’s likely that manufacturers will increase production in this area. For those exploring the connection between diet and health, it’s essential to consider aspects like how much calcium citrate for kidney stones, as it highlights the importance of dietary choices in overall well-being. Manufacturers aiming for a competitive edge may find that naturally sourced colors are part of the solution, especially as consumers continue to respond positively to these appealing and health-conscious options. Incorporating natural colors and addressing health-related inquiries such as how much calcium citrate for kidney stones will become increasingly relevant in product development.