Utilizing Beta-Carotene as a Food Colorant

CONCENTRATION ANALYSIS FOR BETA CAROTENE FOOD COLOR WITH SPECTROMETER 

There is increasing awareness among consumers about the presence of synthetic food colorants in processed food that is being purchased from the market. Beta carotene food coloring is one of the popular food colors used in food manufacturing. The beta carotene color also has organic as well as synthetic pigments. For example, beta carotene e160a iii is a natural, organic pigment while beta carotene e160ai is a synthetic food color pigment. It is important to be aware of what food coloring goes into the food you eat so that you can keep yourself healthy. 

IS BETA CAROTENE AVAILABLE IN NATURE?

The orange and yellow hues seen in various forms in nature are all due to the presence of beta carotene pigment. In terms of food, the natural food color is present in abundance in various green leafy fruits and vegetables including carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, kale, and winter squash. This natural pigment is now increasingly being used as an alternative for artificial food colors in the processed food and beverages industries. The fact that beta carotene is a rich source of Vitamin A and is endowed with antioxidant properties has also gone in its favour. The vibrancy and freshness associated with beta carotene hues also make it a popular pigment to revive the appearance of food. While most fruits and vegetables contain beta carotene, consumption of these foods do not provide the health benefits that can actually be derived from the presence of the pigment. 

For proper utilization of beta carotene in the body, one may be required to take in the pigment as a colorant or as a supplement form. In order to do so, it is important to be able to measure the amount of beta carotene pigment that is present. Spectrophotometers are an essential tool to measure the pigment as a supplement as well as a colorant. This measurement becomes necessary while processing, labelling products as well as to meet with the regulations set by the federal regulatory authorities in order to ensure quality and consistency in the food and beverage industries. 

DOES THE CONCENTRATION OF BETA CAROTENE MATTER?

Irrespective of whether the beta carotene pigment is being used as a natural colorant or as a natural supplement, it is important that color measurement is made accurately and precisely. While the visual appeal of the food is affected depending on whether the color pigment is in a hue of yellow or orange, the more important consideration is that the nutritive properties of the pigment also vary depending on this color saturation. Regulatory authorities set down measurement standards that need to be met in order for fortification needs to be met by the beta carotene pigment. Considering the wide and large scale application of beta carotene pigments in the food industry, this involves a lot of accurate measurements. This is where the spectrophotometer comes to the rescue. In spectrophotometric analysis, the concentration of beta carotene is measured using color absorption levels.