SupplySide Global 2025: GNT leverages plant-based colors for clean label snack concepts

GNT will showcase its clean label Harvest Bark snack concepts at the upcoming SupplySide Global trade show in Las Vegas, US (October 27-30). The prototypes feature the company’s plant-based Exberry colors, formulated using non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and plants.

The solutions come as consumer demands for transparency and clean label ingredients continue to incentivize companies to explore natural colors in their offerings. The Exberry range provides manufacturers with a natural substitute to synthetic dyes amid the growing shift toward sustainable food colors.

The Exberry colors offer a “full spectrum” of bright, consumer-friendly shades, which GNT claims can help manufacturers keep ingredient lists simple. Under US FDA regulations, F&B manufacturers can label the ingredients in consumer-friendly ways, such as “vegetable juice (for color),” since they are made from recognizable raw materials.

As health awareness increases, today’s conscious consumers “expect more from the products they choose,” says Jeannette O’Brien, VP of Sales and Marketing at GNT USA.

“They want snacks that taste delicious, are made with clean, natural ingredients, and deliver multiple benefits. Our Harvest Bark concepts do just that — showcasing how Exberry colors bring innovation to better-for-you treats and support brands in meeting evolving consumer expectations.”

These coloring solutions can be used in snacks, beverages, bakery, dairy, and nutraceuticals.

Tapping natural hues

During the event, visitors can try out GNT’s three Harvest Bark snack concepts, which blend a buttery cookie base with healthy ingredients such as oats, quinoa, flaxseed, and chia.

The Blackcurrant Bark concept consists of tart blackcurrant powder and Exberry Shade Brilliant Pink, which creates a bold flavor profile and a rich, natural purple hue.

Curried Squash Bark includes butternut squash and pumpkin powder with warming spices to develop subtly sweet, lightly spiced notes, incorporated with Exberry Shade Brilliant Orange.

The third concept to be showcased is Sweet Corn & Coconut Bark. It has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor and is colored with Exberry Shade Bright Yellow for a golden glow.

Earlier this year, GNT presented its Exberry colors in beverage applications such as energy drinks, beer-based beverages, and ciders at Drinktec 2025 in Germany, and colored seasonings for snacks at IFT First in the US.