Natural Carmine Replacer

KALAMAZOO, Mich. Kalsec noted there are several natural colorants that can help address concerns associated with carmine supply issues and price pressures. The company stated synthetic replacements to achieve red hues are less attractive as the industry looks toward clean, natural labeling. Instead, Kalsec noted its black carrot extract and paprika extracts can help achieve hues ranging from pink to red in select foods and beverages.

Carol Locey, director product management, colors, at Kalsec explained cochineal or carminic acid provides orange shades to beverages and fruit bases and can typically be replaced with water soluble forms of paprika extract. Water-soluble, acid-proof carmine delivers pink to red shades in beverages, dairy products and fruit bases. She stated black carrot is often an appropriate replacement when a pink to red hue is desired. Carmine, generally sold as 52 percent pigment, is a water insoluble color used in confections, dairy products, dry seasoning and baked goods to provide pink to red hues. The pink shade of carmine in these applications is challenging to match. It is recommended manufacturers work closely with their color supplier on these applications to determine the best solution to replace carmine.