Natural pigments have been used by humans for centuries, not only for their aesthetic appeal in coloring various products but also for their potential health benefits. They are a fascinating alternative to synthetic pigments, often being more sustainable and in some cases, offering additional bioactive properties.
Classification by Color
Blue Pigments
- Phycocyanin - Blue Spirulina Powder: Derived from blue - green algae, it contains phycocyanin, a pigment that gives it the characteristic blue color. Phycocyanin has antioxidant and anti - inflammatory properties. Blue spirulina powder is used in dietary supplements, smoothies, and can also be used to color food products like icing or beverages in a natural way.
- Butterfly Pea Extract - Natural Blue Color: Extracted from the flowers of the butterfly pea plant. The extract contains anthocyanins responsible for the natural blue color. It is popular in the food and beverage industry, especially for making colorful cocktails, mocktails, and herbal teas. The color of the extract can change depending on the pH of the solution, adding an interesting visual element.
- Gardenia Blue Color: Obtained from gardenia fruits. This natural blue pigment is used in certain food products and beverages to provide a stable blue color. It has been used in traditional and modern food applications to enhance the appearance of products.
Green Pigments
- Spinach Extract: Rich in chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis in plants. Spinach extract is a common source of green pigment. Chlorophyll has been studied for its potential health benefits, such as supporting liver function and acting as an antioxidant. It is used in food products like pasta, smoothies, and as a natural coloring agent in some processed foods.
- Mulberry Leaves Extract: Mulberry leaves contain pigments that can be used to create a natural green color. In addition to coloring applications, mulberry leaf extract has been associated with various health benefits, including potential anti - diabetic and cholesterol - lowering effects. It can be used in food products, dietary supplements, and even in some natural cosmetics for its color and possible bioactive properties.
- Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin: A semi - synthetic derivative of chlorophyll. It is widely used in the food industry due to its stable green color. It is used in products such as ice cream, yogurt, and processed meats to give them an appealing green hue.
Red Pigments
- Red Beet Root Powder: Made from dried and powdered red beets. It contains betalains, which are responsible for the intense red color. Betalains have antioxidant and anti - inflammatory properties. Red beet root powder is used in food products like juices, jams, and baked goods to add a natural red color. It can also be used in smoothies for both color and health benefits.
- Lycopene - Tomato Extract Powder: Extracted from tomatoes, lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. The powder contains concentrated lycopene, which gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene has potential benefits for heart health and skin protection. It is used in dietary supplements, as well as in food products like tomato - based sauces and juices to enhance color and nutritional value.
- Carmine Red Color: Derived from the cochineal insect. It contains carminic acid, which produces a bright red color. Carmine has been used for centuries in the food, cosmetics, and textile industries. In the food industry, it is used to color products such as candies, beverages, and processed meats. However, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Monascus Red Color: Produced by fermenting rice with the yeast Monascus purpureus. The extract contains monacolins and red pigments. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine and also as a natural food coloring. In food applications, it can be used to color products like rice dishes, sauces, and some fermented foods.
Yellow Pigments
- Turmeric extract Curcumin powder: Turmeric contains curcumin, which is responsible for its bright yellow color. Curcumin has been extensively studied for its antioxidant, anti - inflammatory, and potential anti - cancer properties. Turmeric extract curcumin powder is widely used in cooking, especially in Indian cuisine. It is also used in dietary supplements and natural cosmetics for its color and health benefits.
- Safflower Yellow: Safflower yellow is the main pigment extracted from safflower. The bright yellow color of safflower comes from carotenoid - based pigments. Safflower yellow is used as a natural food coloring agent. It can add a vivid yellow hue to a variety of food products, such as baked goods, dairy items, and beverages. In addition to its coloring function, it has also been investigated for potential biological activities, including antioxidant and anti - inflammatory effects in some research studies.
- Marigold Extract Marigold Oleoresin: Marigold is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. The marigold oleoresin extract contains these pigments and is used in food products, dietary supplements, and some cosmetics. In food, it can be used to color products such as margarine, cheese, and certain processed foods.
Purple Pigments
- Black Carrot Purple: Black carrots contain anthocyanins, which are responsible for their purple color. These anthocyanins are antioxidants. Black carrot purple pigment is used in food products such as juices, ice creams, and baked goods to add a natural purple color. It can also be used in dietary supplements for its potential health benefits.
- Radish Red Color - Natural Pigment: Some radish varieties, especially those with purple skins, contain anthocyanins that can be extracted to obtain a purple pigment. Radish extract purple can be used in food products, such as pickles, salads, and some natural food colorings. It may also have some antioxidant properties.
- Purple Sweet Potato Color: Purple sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins. The purple pigment from purple sweet potatoes is used in Asian cuisine for coloring desserts, snacks, and some traditional dishes. It can also be used in food products like ice cream, cakes, and bread to add a natural and appealing purple color.
- Cabbage Purple: Purple cabbage contains anthocyanins. These pigments are pH - sensitive, changing color depending on the acidity of the environment. Cabbage purple can be used in food products such as salads, pickles, and as a natural food coloring agent. It can also be used in science experiments to demonstrate pH - related color changes.
Orange Pigments
- Dunaliena salina orange: Dunaliena salina is a microalgae rich in beta - carotene, which gives it an orange color. Beta - carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. Dunaliena salina orange extract is used in dietary supplements, as well as in the food industry to color products like juices, dairy products, and some processed foods.
- Palm Fruit Orange: Palm fruit contains carotenoids, such as beta - carotene, alpha - carotene, and lycopene, which contribute to its orange color. Palm oil, extracted from palm fruit, is used in the food industry for its natural color and other properties. It can be used in products like margarine, baked goods, and fried foods.
- Chili Pepper Extract Capsanthin: Paprika is made from dried chili peppers. It contains capsanthin, which gives it an orange - red color. Paprika is widely used as a spice and natural food coloring. It can be used in dishes like stews, soups, and in the production of sausages to add both flavor and color.
- Annatto Extract: Derived from annatto seeds, it contains bixin, a carotenoid pigment that provides an orange - red color. Annatto extract is used in products like cheese, butter, and ice cream to give them a natural and appealing color. It has been used in traditional food applications for centuries.
White Pigments
- Corn white: Corn can be a source of white pigments, especially in the form of corn starch. Corn starch can contribute to a white appearance in some food products. It is used in products like puddings, sauces, and some baked goods to thicken and give a white color.
- Arabic gum white: Arabic gum is a natural gum from acacia trees. It can be associated with a white or translucent appearance. In the food industry, it is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It can be found in products like soft drinks, ice creams, and some confectionery items, where it helps with texture and may contribute to a white or clear look in some cases.
Black Pigments
- Vegetable Carbon Black: Made from charred plant materials. It provides a deep black color. Vegetable carbon black is used in the food industry to color products such as candies, chocolates, and some baked goods. It can also be used in certain inks and cosmetics for its black color.
Classification by Chemical Structure of Pigments
1. Chlorophylls: Found in green pigments like spinach and mulberry leaves. Chlorophylls are porphyrin derivatives and play a crucial role in photosynthesis.
2. Betalains: Present in red pigments like beetroot. Betalains are nitrogen-containing pigments and are divided into betacyanins (red-violet) and betaxanthins (yellow-orange).
3. Anthocyanins: Found in blue (butterfly pea flower), purple (black carrot, radish, purple sweet potato, cabbage) pigments. Anthocyanins are flavonoids and are water-soluble pigments that are sensitive to pH.
4. Carotenoids: Include pigments in yellow (turmeric, safflower, marigold), orange (Dunaliena salina, palm fruit, paprika, annatto fruit) and some red pigments (tomato). Carotenoids are isoprenoid compounds and are fat-soluble.
5. Other Compounds: Such as monacolins in red yeast rice, carminic acid in carmine, and curcumin in turmeric, which have their own unique chemical structures and properties.
It should be noted that the use of natural pigments in various industries is subject to regulatory requirements to ensure safety and proper labeling.
