Better-for-you
COLOURS & FLAVOURS
beverages need better colouring ingredients Today’s consumer wants attractive beverages with natural ingredients, and as Richard Stenning explains, Exberry Coloring Foods is an ideal choice.
F
MCG Gurus’ data shows that 36%
enjoyment. These colours can also be
of consumers in the African and
used for stress-busting beverages such
Middle East region drink functional
as RTD teas, showcasing popular
beverages at least once a week, while
botanical flavors like lavender or hibiscus.
30% make conscious attempts to seek out
They can deliver excellent results in
options with natural sweeteners and 43%
flavoured vitamin waters and isotonic
obtain protein from plant-based drinks.
sports drinks, too. As a plant-based
One of the most effective ways to
colouring solution, they are exceptionally
tap into the better-for-you trend is the
well suited to colouring healthy plant-
use of natural claims. Worldwide, 53%
based products including protein
of consumers say they see beverages
powders and ready to drink (RTD) shakes.
as healthy if they contain only natural
They can also help manufacturers
ingredients, making it a bigger factor
transform perceptions of beverages such
than claims including zero sugar (43%),
as carbonated soft drinks and energy
high in protein (37%) and high in
drinks. While traditionally associated with
antioxidants (30%).
artificial ingredients, consumers expect
Nonetheless, FMCG Gurus’ research
these products to come with clean labels,
shows that indulgence remains the primary
with 45% saying they consider natural
reason why consumers choose products,
claims to be important in carbonates and
so it is vital to create drinks with sensory
50% in energy drinks.
appeal – and achieving the right colour
No matter your requirements,
is essential. Studies show that colour
GNT’s experts can help you find the
influences judgment of beverages’ flavour
colouring solution you need, while
and aroma, while the intensity of the colour
providing support throughout the
also has the ability to affect the intensity of
entire product development process,
flavour perception.
from colour matching and production
Many of the most commonly used
support to stability testing and factory
colouring ingredients are synthetic or
implementation. The company can
have chemical-sounding names. With
also provide inspiration for commercial
nearly six in ten shoppers in Africa and
concepts stemming from their deep
the Middle East saying they search
understanding of the market and give
product labels for ingredients they do
advice to ensure regulatory compliance.
not recognise, this can have a significant impact on products’ appeal. Exberry Coloring Foods can solve this
With more and more consumers seeking out beverages with clean labels, it is more important than ever to ensure your
challenge. They are made from edible,
colours match up to expectations.
non-GMO fruit, vegetables and plants
Exberry Coloring Foods are made from
using physical processing methods such
well-known fruit, vegetables and plants,
as chopping and boiling. No chemical
offering a future-proof solution in an
solvents are used. They are also suitable
ever-changing market. •
for almost any beverage application, offering hundreds of intense shades while supporting clean and clear label declarations. The possibilities are endless. They can be used to boost vitamin-rich fruit juices, helping these products maintain an appetising appearance throughout their whole shelf-life without compromising on
About the author: Richard Stenning is GNT’s technical sales manager. 1 FMCG Gurus 'Beverage Trends in 2021' (2020) 2 FMCG Gurus 'Beverage Trends in 2021' (2020) 3 Spence, C. 'The Crucial Role of Color in the Perception of Beverages' Beverage Impacts on Health and Nutrition: Second Edition (2016) 4 FMCG Gurus 'Beverage Trends in 2021' (2020) 5 Fernández-Vázquez, R. et al. 'Colour influences sensory perception and liking of orange juice' Flavour (2014) 6 FMCG Gurus 'Beverage Trends in 2021' (2020)
the label. Research has even found that adding red colouring to orange juice can significantly boost expectations of product
Exberry – www.exberr y.com
FOOD RE VIEW | July 2021
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