With the consistent global trend towards more naturalness, many manufacturers preferably opt for a natural colouring solution that is based on spirulina. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that contains a number of nutrients and is, for example, offered as a nutraceutical. For many consumers, spirulina has a “superfoods” status. Phycocyanins being the main colouring compounds in spirulina are said to have antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory properties. The usage of spirulina-based colouring solutions in the food and beverage industry perfectly meets consumers’ desire for more ingredients from natural origin.
In Europe, where the majority of confectionery launches contain non-artificial colouring, the usage of Spirulina-based colouring accounts for 21% of coloured sugar and gum confectionery launches in 2020 and the trend has been increasing.
Mintel GNPD
