Food coloring is a kind of coloring agent in food additives. There are different opinions in the industry about the comparison between natural and synthetic pigments. Here's a comparison of the pros and cons of natural versus synthetic pigments:
Advantages of natural pigment:
1. Most natural pigments come from plants and animals. Except for garcinia, others are non-toxic to human body. Natural pigments are highly safe.
2. Most natural pigments are biologically active (e.g., beta-carotene, VB2) and therefore nutrient-enhancing.
3. Natural pigments can better mimic the color of natural objects and create a more natural tone when coloring.
4. Some varieties have special aromatic smells that make them pleasant to add to food.
Disadvantages of natural pigment:
1. The content of natural pigments is usually low, and the coloring power is worse than that of synthetic pigments.
2. The cost of natural pigment is high.
3. Poor stability, some varieties have different colors and different PH values.
4. It's hard to match any hue.
5. In the process of processing and circulation, it is easily affected by external factors and easy to deteriorate.
6. Certain natural pigments can produce odors due to compositional effects.
Advantages of synthetic pigment:
1. Low cost, low price.
2. Bright color, strong coloring power.
3. High stability, tasteless, tasteless, easy to dissolve, easy to color.
Disadvantages of synthetic pigment:
Synthetic pigments are mainly made from coal tar, and their chemical structure is azo compound, which can be metabolized in the body to produce β-naphthylamine and α-amino-1-naphthol.
Nowadays, plant capsule has become the first choice of health products, the most important reason to choose it is natural and harmless, plant source is safe and healthy. This fits in with the start-up concept of the plant capsule. Although synthetic pigments will make the capsules appear brighter and cheaper, natural pigments will eventually become the first choice as people become more concerned about food safety and the preference for natural foods.