DSM launches new natural beta-carotene coloring

18-Dec-2009 - Last updated on 18-Dec-2009 at 11:30 GMT

A new, natural-source beta-carotene formulation for coloring and fortifying food and beverages has been launched by DSM Nutritional Products.

The product, branded as CaroCare Nat 10% CWS Star, extends the company’s carotenoid range. Based on natural-source beta-carotene, it meets the growing demand for natural-source ingredients, said the company.

Its global marketing manager, John Biggs told FoodNavigator.com: “CaroCare is a state-of-the-art animal- and allergen-free beta-carotene formulation aimed primarily at the ready-to-drink beverage segment, but also suitable for many other food applications. Being Kosher and Halal approved, and fully meeting vegetarian requirements, it is designed for complete consumer acceptance.”

Color intensity

The ingredient is said to offer formulation advantages including ease-of-use, guaranteed color intensity, superior stability for enhanced appearance and greater consumer appeal.

It is easy-to-use because it is a free flowing, non-dusting powder which disperses readily in cold water without lumping, according to DSM.

It is also free from any of the allergenic ingredients listed in the EU’s Directive 2003/89/EC on allergies and those identified in the US Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of August 2nd 2004.

Beta-carotene contributes to the orange color of many different fruits and vegetables. Particularly rich sources are yellow and orange fruits, such as mangoes and papayas, orange root vegetables such as carrots and yams and in green leafy vegetables as spinach, kale, sweet potato leaves, and sweet gourd leaves.

Natural colouring

Carotenoids are the pigments that give color to egg yolks, tomatoes, fungi, all green leaves, fruits, and flowers. Natural colouring and stabilizing agents, carotenoids cannot be made in the body and must be obtained in the diet.

The new ingredient means the company can now offer a natural-source beta-carotene product for most food and beverage applications, it said.

Like the company’s other carotenoid ingredients, CaroCare can also be incorporated into custom-designed premix formulations marketed as Quali[1]-Blends.

Meanwhile, in addition to formulation advantages, the ingredient delivers health benefits too, said Biggs. “Offering the highest quality natural source beta-carotene available today, this latest CaroCare product……..combines color, ProVitamin A activity and antioxidant properties.”