More than “meats” the eye: Lycored stability study highlights natural colors in plant-based foods

11 Jun 2020 --- Lycored’s lycopene-based colors deliver authentic meat-like coloration with long-lasting stability in plant-based meat alternatives. This is according to the results of the supplier’s two-color plant-based stability studies. Focusing on plant-based deli ham slices and sausage-style encased meats, Lycored’s scientists put its portfolio of all-natural, lycopene-based colors to the test, comparing them to two industry-standard all-natural color alternatives: beet and iron oxide. The news comes as artificial food colorings remain scrutinized by conscious consumers, which propels Lycored’s range of coloring foods into the spotlight.

“Global consumption of plant-based foods is growing, especially meat-free alternatives designed to look and taste like foods in segments like deli ham and sausages. As part of these new dietary trends, people are increasingly searching for meat alternatives in their traditional diets, which includes a growing number of so-called meat reducers or flexitarian consumers,” explains Christiane Lippert, Head of Marketing at Lycored.

Results revealed that Lycored’s colors are ready for the rigors of plant-based food processing and meet consumers’ demands for an authentic look and taste. Highlights of Lycored’s studies revealed:

For both ham slices and sausages, Lycored’s lycopene based color outperformed beet and iron oxide relative to process stability and authentic, appetizing hues.

Real-time and accelerated shelf life tests proved the color stability of ham slices to meet standard shelf life and beyond. 

Lycopene-based colors in sausages provide a range of colors with an authentic appearance before and after cooking. 

To appeal to the masses, plant-based meats must be clean label yet look, feel and taste just like the real thing, before and after cooking. This is challenging food engineers to find color ingredients that can handle the processing conditions for plant-based protein substitutes.

“Lycored’s lycopene-based colors are a natural first choice for many of today’s most popular meat substitutes,” notes Lippert. “Plant-based meat alternatives are vying for the top of the vegetarian product food chain, but they can’t get there unless ingredients are clean, able to withstand intensive processing and ensure color stays true. Our study data confirms lycopene-based colors have everything the industry needs to make products in this category a success,” she concludes. 

Lycored’s broad range of hues provide a far-reaching palette that makes it easy for food manufacturers to find the intensity and color they need to meet tough stability criteria. 

Bursts of color innovation
In the same spirit, GNT Group, makers of natural vegetable-based “Coloring Foods” branded as Exberry, recently flagged that clean label colors are essential to differentiation in the increasingly competitive plant-based market. The Netherlands-based manufacturer supplier has launched new resources on its website to highlight the importance of color in vegan-friendly meat, dairy, cheese and fish alternatives.

Last month, GNT launched two new Exberry Coloring Foods that deliver bright orange shades in powder and oil-dispersible formats. Made from paprika and carrot, the Brilliant Orange products provide solutions for a range of applications, including bakery icing. The new colors also come in a liquid format that allows formulators a wider range of applications. 

Staying on-trend, the launch comes as the summer months are on the horizon, inspiring associations to warmer and sunnier days. Exberry Brilliant Orange shades are also noted for bringing “Instagrammable” color to a vast range of applications while supporting clean and clear labeling.

Echoing Pantone’s move to list “Classic Blue” as its color of the year for 2020, “Shades of Aqua” will be a crucial food and beverage color trend for 2020, according to GNT. 

By Elizabeth Green