In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a request or petition to include butterfly pea flower extract as a color additive. This move was described as a major milestone in this industry since it closes the gap in the natural color palette. Interestingly, this extract is the very first blue source that is also natural and plant-derived that FDA approved. That means the butterfly pea flower extract is okay to use as a natural pigment in foods. It’s safe to say butterfly pea extract is going to revolutionize the food industry. Below, you can learn more about it.
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Advantages and applications of butterfly pea flower extract
Butterfly pea flower extract derives from a flower called Asian pigeonwings (Clitoria ternatea), also known as blue pea, butterfly pea, among other names. Native to equatorial Asia, the flower has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and the Americas. The extract produces bright denim shade in products whose pH is higher than 3.8. At the same time, butterfly pea flower extract gives a deep purple hue to foods and beverages with low pH, including sports drinks.
The greatest advantage of the butterfly pea extract is high heat stability. As a result, it can be added to a wide range of foods and beverages in order to produce intense purple, bright blue, or natural green colors. For that reason, applications of the extract are numerous, since the approval by FDA refers to everything from sports and carbonated drinks to fruit drinks and juices, teas, dairy drinks, soft and hard candies, chewing gums, yogurt, liquid coffee creamers, frozen dairy desserts, and ice creams.
The Clitoria ternatea extract will give companies in the food and beverage industry to expand their offer and innovate new products. After the food industry, the butterfly pea extract could also have potential in the cosmetic industry as a natural color additive that would make products safer. But, keep in mind that FDA approval refers to the food and beverage industry primarily.
The difference between phycocyanin and butterfly pea flower
While butterfly pea flower extract is obtained from a flower, phycocyanin is extracted from the liquid biomass of spirulina. While phycocyanin gives products vivid blue color, it is not as stable in sports beverages and soft drinks as butterfly pea flower extract. As a result, the extract may lose its hues under fluorescent lights in stores or supermarkets.
On the other hand, the butterfly pea flower has greater stability that allows products to retain their fun colors. Plus, unlike phycocyanin, butterfly pea flower extract can change the color from blue to purple depending on the pH value of the product.
The importance of the natural pigment to the food and beverage industry
Pigments are responsible for the shades and colors of the product. For many years, companies in the food and beverage industry used synthetic pigments, i.e., compounds that weren’t derived from plants. As the food industry is becoming more health-conscious, the need for natural pigments intensified. Natural pigments help companies produce organic products. They also make food safer. That’s exactly what butterfly pea flower extract can do for the food and beverage industry – it can revolutionize it. This way, companies get to experiment with new, innovative products with amazing colors while keeping them safe and natural.
Binmei has butterfly pea flower extract to be launched in January 2022
Since the butterfly pea extract was approved by FDA, you’re probably wondering how to get your hands on this extract. Binmei has got you covered. The company, known for its high-quality extracts, is set to launch its butterfly pea flower extract in January 2022. The pure and natural extract is high in anthocyanin and extracted without the use of diluting agents, preservatives, and other compounds. The water-soluble extract with outstanding heat and light stability is suitable for vegetarians and doesn’t contain sodium, gluten, or lactose.
Conclusion
After the FDA approval, butterfly pea flower extract is set to revolutionize the food and beverage industry by filling the gap in the color palette. The best thing about this extract is its high stability in heat and light. Binmei’s butterfly pea flower extract will be available in January 2022. The pure and natural extract is going to amaze you with its outstanding color.
