Made from the inedible cochineal insect, carmine requires chemical processing – meaning it doesn’t fit with the growing consumer demand for clear-label products, according to a study produced for GNT Group.
Natural colours
Consumers have a clear conception of what ‘natural colours’ are, expecting them to originate from edible raw materials such as fruit and vegetables, the study claimed.
“Food and beverage manufacturers can easily replace carmine with colouring foods – a high-performing, natural colour solution,” said GNT Group md Hendrik Hoeck.
‘Common misperception’
Issues concerning the colour match and stability of natural colouring foods were a “common misperception,” Hoeck explained.
“With more than 37 years of experience, we can provide colouring foods in an endless spectrum of shades that offer excellent stability,” he added.