Feb 7 2012 --- LycoRed Ltd. has launched a new range of natural, vegetarian red and orange colors with non-migrating properties for fruit preparation. The new line is based on both tomato lycopene and natural beta-carotene and covers a full-spectrum of color possibilities ranging from red to yellow. The colors are extracted from carotenoids, which are widely recognized as healthful alternatives to synthetic colorants due to their natural antioxidants benefits.

Many popular dairy products contain colored fruit-based layers or stripes. For these formulations, it is critical that the colorful appearance of the fruit preparation base remains stable and does not bleed color into the white dairy phase. Colored fruit preparation using LycoRed's colors can create appealing color effects in yoghurts, smoothies and desserts.

“Stability during processing and throughout shelflife is one of the main issues the food industry faces when using natural colors,” explains Roee Nir, Color and Flavor Global Commercial Manager for LycoRed. “Formulation challenges can relate to: stability to pH, light, temperature and oxidative degradation, as well as to interactions with other ingredients. LycoRed has overcome these problems to produce natural carotenoids based formulations delivering vibrant, stable natural food colors. The colors are created using a patented technology that is fully compliant with kosher and halal laws.

LycoRed exhaustively tested the new color line at its own high-tech laboratories as well as at leading fruit preparation producers and dairy company facilities. The results show an outstanding stable product with clear, sharp-colored layers and without any bleeding or migration.

Tomat-O-Red formulations are based on tomato lycopene and offer a completely stable, natural color, with processing parameters of prolonged high temperature, light exposure and pH and with no adverse reaction to Vitamin C, making it an ideal colorant for red fruit preparations.

“Our natural lycopene line is approved for use as colorant in food by EC directive 2011/3/EU, as well as FDA regulations as a non-certifiable color additive - 21 CFR 73.95, “adds Nir.

Lyc-O-Beta formulations from Natural Beta Carotene are produced by the same patented technology applied to tomato lycopene. The line provides complementary orange to yellow shades to support a full range of fruit preparations used in the dairy industry.

LycoRed is an innovative, science-based company creating breakthrough healthy nutraceutical ingredients for the food, beverage and dietary supplement industries. With a large complement of multinational customers across the global supply chain, LycoRed eagerly serves each client with attentiveness, quick response and maximum flexibility.