Israel-based nutraceutical ingredients company LycoRed has developed new formulations of vegetarian red colorants under its Tomat-O-Red line, which can be used in various food and beverage applications.
The new formulations offer deeper red lycopene color with blue backgrounds, similar to the shades from carmine. According to the company, this makes them a natural solution for food firms who are seeking to replace the insect-derived cochineal extract in their formulations.
The new formulations have high stability across a wide range of pH levels, light conditions, high temperatures and also in the presence of vitamin C, the company said.
LycoRed Color global commercial manager Roee Nir said that the increased demand from customers seeking to replace carmine encouraged the company to extend its natural red colorants line and develop new formulations suitable for additional food applications, such as confectionary, dairy and beverages.
"By adding more formulations, we can provide food and beverage developers with a variety of options, so they can, in turn, expand product offerings to their customers."
Moreover, all of our natural food colorants are sustainable and produced in an ecofriendly process, ensuring our customers always receive the highest quality in the marketplace," Nir added.
The new Tomat-O-Red lycopene colorant formulations are available in liquid forms. They are vegetarian and free from any allergenic components.
LycoRed will be showcasing the new lycopene color line at the IFT show, which will be held from 13-16 July in Chicago.
LycoRed is a science-based company, supplying natural carotenoids and a wide range of other natural nutritional and coloring ingredients to the dietary supplement, functional food and beverage and nutricosmetic industries, worldwide. The company has regional facilities in the US, Europe, Israel and Asia.
