Sensient Colors LLC, a business unit of Sensient Technologies Corp., expanded its research and development efforts on a global scale and developed an Advanced Emulsion Technology for natural colors. This emulsion technology combines multiple oil- and water-based natural colors to provide a complex color matrix in a single delivery system, thus achieving new natural color shades that previously were unattainable. The new complex water-based emulsions allow for multiple oil- and water-based natural colors to co-exist in a single color system, it says. For instance, different vegetable juices and beta-carotene can be combined to make a bright, stable red shade, similar to carmine, according to the company. This new technology can lessen package staining, reduce color bleed, and allow for lower usage levels, it says. It also can minimize off-notes that sometimes are associated with natural colors, the company adds. These water-based emulsions can be incorporated into any application where water is available including beverage, dairy, confection, baking and processed food applications. Because natural colors often are water based, Sensient’s global research and development teams used innovative emulsion technology to develop new oil-based natural colors, fulfilling a market need for more shades that can be incorporated into fat-based systems. This includes shades such as cherry red, strawberry pink and chocolate brown. Being a single-color delivery system, Advanced Emulsion Technology with both oil- and water-based emulsions can shorten measuring and mixing time, improving consistency and efficiency, the company says.

Sensient Colors LLC, 2515 N. Jefferson Ave., St Louis, Mo. 63106; 314/889-7600; sensient-tech.com.