Chr. Hansen Launches Groundbreaking Natural White Food Color

The calcium-based ‘CapColors White 100 WSS-P’ gives producers of chewing gum and chocolate dragées a much-awaited opportunity to dye their products with a natural colorant.

17 Sep 2009 --- In recent years food manufacturers across the world have determinedly been reformulating their products to replace synthetic colors with natural colors. At the same time retailers in several markets are phasing out foods which contain the criticized artificial colors. This is happening because of an increasing consumer preference for food free from synthetic colors – a food additive that is linked with hyperactivity in children.

An alternative derived from calcium

So far producers of panned confectionery products such as chewing gum and chocolate dragées have had no option but to color their products with titanium dioxide (E171 in Europe), a titanium-derived white color produced by synthesis. Now Chr. Hansen introduces a unique natural alternative based on calcium carbonate which is classified in Europe as a food color (E170) and as a natural color by NATCOL, the Natural Food Colors Association. Currently in the US calcium carbonate is classified as a food additive and can be applied as a coating agent.

Evident gap in the market

“We are very proud to be able to offer this truly unique and innovative color solution to confectionery companies world-wide”, says Ji Hoong Too, Business Development Manager, Confectionery & Ice Cream, Chr. Hansen Color Division. “Confectionery companies that are working on shifting to natural colors now have the opportunity to include the panned confectionery category in the shift. For Chr. Hansen this innovation is an opportunity to cover an evident gap in the market. We have already filed a patent application for our solution and naturally we have significant commercial expectations for this cutting-edge innovation,” says Too.

Driving the market expansion

“Being able to offer the first natural white food color is perfectly aligned with our key ambition as trusted supplier of premium natural colors: to support our customers in developing products with a healthy and natural appeal,” continues Too. “Furthermore, this innovation underlines Chr. Hansen’s position as the color supplier driving the global market expansion by converting the food color market from synthetic to natural solutions.”

CapColors – the smart, natural solution

CapColors White 100 WSS-P is an extension of the CapColors range. CapColors use encapsulation technology for increased resistance to light, pH and oxidation, making them perfect for applications where bright color is essential. Their increased intensity and brightness ensures that the standardized natural colors to withstand the demanding food production processes.