LycoRed Launches New Natural Beta-Carotene Color

According to Innova Market Insights, changes in the European regulatory levels resulted in a decline in the use of the so-called “Southampton Six” artificial colors, which have been forced to carry a warning label since July 20, 2010.

4/28/2011 --- LycoRed, Israel, announces its latest formulation for natural beta-carotene color, Lyc-O-Beta 1% CWS. Lyc-O-Beta is an innovative, natural beta-carotene color in powder form, designed to instantly dissolve when mixed with cold water. It is suitable for use in a variety of applications such as beverages, dairy, bakery and confectionary.

Lyc-o-Beta’s formulation not only provides a natural and vibrant color, it also ensures the daily dietary requirement for vitamin A and compensates for vitamin A deficiencies in cases of inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Natural beta-carotene is also known as a potent anti-oxidant and can protect against oxidative damage on a cellular level.

According to Innova Market Insights, changes in the European regulatory levels resulted in a decline in the use of the so-called “Southampton Six” artificial colors, which have been forced to carry a warning label since July 20, 2010. Analysis of the top colors being used in confectionery found significant declines for certain artificial colors, including quinoline yellow and sunset yellow.

“Food and beverage manufacturers are facing significant high-stability problems when using natural colorants,” explains Udi Alroy, VP Global Marketing & Sales at LycoRed. “A key aspect of this new colorant is the high stability of Lyc-O-Beta 1 % CWS, both within the powder itself and when released into the food matrix. This has been achieved by optimizing the formulation and the anti-oxidant system used to protect the color.”

Lyc-O-Beta 1% CWS is highly stable to heat, light and oxygen as well as across a wide range of pH. This new colorant allows variations in shade from vibrant yellow to orange and delivers a natural and healthy color to existing and new formulations. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including: carbonated beverages, decorative icing, ice cream, ready to drink beverages, fruit preparations, jelly beans, panned confectionary and more. “Over the years our natural colorants have gained wide recognition within industry for their high quality and excellent performance,” notes Alroy.

“LycoRed follows the stringent regulations of the European Commission in order to provide a healthy and natural solution for its customers. We have conducted an extensive range of application trials using our new Lyc-O-Beta 1% CWS. Plus, our in-house application expertise supports our customers in order to ensure a short time to market.” By offering a competitive natural solution based on a 1:1 comparability to the leading market shade, LycoRed is answering a growing consumer trend toward natural solutions and is poised to replace the synthetic product still used in the market today.