Jul 30 2010 --- The recent carmine supply issues and resulting price pressures have manufacturers looking for natural alternatives to achieve red hues in foods and beverages.  Synthetic replacements are no longer an attractive option as the global market demand is driving toward clean and natural labelling in the food and beverage industry.  

Kalsec, a leading manufacturer of natural colors from fruits and vegetables, manufactures and markets colors ranging in hue from yellow to orange to pink to red.  Natural colors such as Kalsec’s black carrot and paprika extracts may be ideal natural alternatives to achieving hues ranging in color from pink to red in select foods and beverages. 

“When working with natural colors, it’s very important to find a supplier that delivers more than just a raw material,” says Carol Locey, Director Product Management, Colors.  “You want to partner with a company that can solve problems and help you select the right hue for your application.”  Cochineal/carmine is sold in various forms.  Cochineal or carminic acid provides orange shades to beverages and fruit bases and can typically be replaced with water soluble forms of paprika extract.  Water soluble acid proof carmine delivers pink to red shades in beverages, dairy products and fruit bases.  Black carrot is often an appropriate replacement when a pink to red hue is desired.  Carmine, generally, sold as 52% pigment is a water insoluble color used in confections, dairy products, dry seasoning and baked goods to provide pink to red hues.  The pink shade of carmine in these applications is challenging to match.  It is recommended that manufacturers work closely with their color supplier on these applications to determine the best solution to replace carmine.

Kalsec Inc, is a privately held producer and marketer of natural extracts for use in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications.