COLOR INNOVATIONS | SIENNA™ Botanical Brown Alternatives
to Caramel Colors

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What are some affordable natural brown color for snack food coatings?

Snack food coatings are oil-based applications, so an oil-soluble or oil-dispersible solution is needed. Caramel color can be used for natural brown, or Sensient’s Microfine™ technology can be used for a clean label plant-based solution.

What are some cost-effective natural brown food dyes for snacks?

Brown can be created from a blend of red, yellow, and blue colors, but single solutions like Sienna™ fruit juice tend to be more cost effective.

What are some natural caramel color alternatives for food?

Developers can replace caramel color with a blend of natural red, yellow, and blue colors, or look to single solutions like Sensient’s Sienna™ portfolio of fruit juice-based colors.

What are fruit and vegetable extracts for brown food coloring?

Sensient’s Sienna™ portfolio is comprised of fruit juice-based natural brown colors for food and beverage applications.

What is 4-MEI in caramel color?

4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) is a chemical compound that forms in the production of caramel color, specifically Class III and IV. It is a byproduct of the heat/cooking process.

Why are companies replacing caramel color?

California’s Proposition 65 is a law requiring warning labels on any products that contain ingredients which are associated with cancer risks. All four classes of caramel color (or any burned color) contain the byproduct furfuryl alcohol, and caramel Class III and IV also contain the byproduct 4-MEI, both of which are on the Prop 65 list and require warning labels. Brands preferring to avoid this labeling or preparing for consumer pushback against caramel as an ingredient are replacing caramel color with clean label alternatives like fruit and vegetable juices, including Sensient’s Sienna™ portfolio.

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