Taking Clean Label to the Next Level
“Clean label” has been a buzzword and trending in the food and beverage industry for years.
While not being generally defined, the term “clean label” generally refers to the back of pack labelling and consumers’ wish to contain recognizable ingredients only. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) comments, “clean label means making a product using as few ingredients as possible, and making sure those ingredients are items that consumers recognize and think of as wholesome—ingredients that consumers might use at home. It seeks out foods with easy-to-recognize ingredients and no artificial ingredients or synthetic chemicals, and it has become associated with ‘trust’ with manufacturers of food.” (IFT 2018) Many consumers are drawn to food and beverage products with uncomplicated, clear, and short ingredient lists as safer and more natural options that are perceived to be healthier.
Maintaining a straightforward list of natural ingredients on food or beverage labels can help consumers of all age groups to enjoy products with trust.
Yet food innovators are working with moving targets as public opinion, regulations, or events that may elevate consumers’ expectations towards some topics and put others on the back burner at times. The spectrum of “clean label” is broad, so let’s take a look at some common themes Sensient’s innovation experts and technical teams are frequently consulted for:
Demand in Food & Beverage Formulations
Achieve a rainbow of vibrant colors with
natural solutions!
SWITCHING SYNTHETIC TO NATURAL COLORS
Can I replace my synthetic color with
a natural color without compromising
on color shade?
Of course, you can replace synthetic colors, and our technical team has decades of experience in finding just the right natural alternative to best meet your objectives. Explore more about natural color conversion for your application through our recent blog.
FOOD SAFETY – SENSIENT’S CERTASURE™
When formulating with coloring from
plant-based sources, how do I ensure
my food color supplier complies to my company’s strict food safety targets?
Sensient’s food safety program goes beyond table stakes. Natural innovation with peace-of-mind, protection from product recall, and safe consumption for consumers is Sensient’s commitment to you. Read more on
Certasure™ here.
DISTINCTIVE COLORING SOLUTIONS
I am currently purchasing a black carrot concentrate. Keeping it simple, why would I consider a new one in my formulation project?
Black carrots are a naturally versatile and bright option for beverages, as they can provide a range of shade options from bright reds to magentas to fuchsia purples with comparable usage rates. Distinctive, yet cost-effective color hues can help products stand out on a shelf or even within your own lineup: Sensient’s experts have a full portfolio of options to play with color to maximize product distinctiveness, while keeping simple labelling. Read more about black carrot and other anthocyanins here.
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY IN INGREDIENT LISTS
Are we able to shorten our ingredient list without compromising on the color shades?
Sensient’s technical teams are the ideal partner to help you find optimized coloring solutions while maintaining perfect color performance in your products.
HOW TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF COLORING INGREDIENTS WHILE MAINTAINING THE SHADES
Market Sample’s Coloring
Ingredient List on Pack
Alternative “Shorter Label”
Offer from Sensient
Colors Used: Beta Carotene, Spirulina, Radish, Apple, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Black Currant, Hibiscus, Lemon
Colors Used: Beta Carotene, Paprika, Black Carrot, Spirulina
REPLACING INGREDIENTS WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Can you support our project to replace ingredients that are no longer desired by consumers?
With California’s ban of Red 3, regulatory changes within the food and beverage industry such as the TiO2 ban in Europe, targeted attempts to ban synthetic colors across the United States, and California’s Prop 65 placing pressure on the use of caramel color, the industry is shifting rapidly. Our team of experts is ready to help you with any substitution or clean label innovation on your to-do list!
HIGH COLOR-LOAD FOR OPTIMAL
INGREDIENT USAGE
Is there a way to reduce the color dosage in my formulation?
To optimize the color pigment yield, it is key to select the right highly concentrated solutions that best provide those properties desired. A key factor that contributes to the cost of natural colors in a final product formulation is the usage rate. Explore Sensient’s range of solutions with high color-load for low dosing with perfect results and optimized cost-in-use here.
53% of consumers read labels “always” or “most of the time” when choosing new food and beverage products. (Mintel 2024)
With no-no lists becoming stricter and more prevalent, our customers constantly need cleaner label solutions. Our dedicated technical team is excited to help with your next generation of clean ingredient innovations! Are you interested in some of the project challenges above? Let’s team up on your color needs: Reach out for a sample or consultation!
