Colour Glossary

A leguminous plant of the pea family, and a source of chlorophyll.

An orangish-red, water-soluble synthetic dye. Other names: FD&C Red #40, E129, CI Food Red 17, CI #16035, CAS #25956-17-6.

A magenta-red, water-soluble, synthetic dye. Other names: E123, CI Food Red 9, FD&C Red #2.

Colour additive extracted from the seeds of the Bixa orellana L. shrub. Annatto colour ranges from yellow to orange shades depending on the application and product form. Other names: E160b, Bixin/ Norbixin.

Various types of anthocyanins occur in nature, mostly in the cells of flowers, fruits and vegetables, where they are responsible for bright red to deep purple colours. Other name: E163, if used as a colour additive extracted from anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables.

Apocarotenal belongs to the group of carotenoids. Occurring naturally in citrus fruits and some vegetables, apocarotenal also serves as a precursor for vitamin A. As a colour additive, a red-orange colour synthesized form of carotenoid that is oil-soluble. Beta-Apo-8′-carotenal is considered “nature identical”, and can be found in citrus fruits. Other names: E160e, if used as a colour additive; CI Food Orange 6. See also Carotenoids.

Apple trees are a member of the Rosacea family. There are many different apple varieties with colouring ranging from different shades of red to green and yellow. Apple concentrate as a colouring food ingredient is water-soluble and provides earthy shades of brown.

Aronia is a genus of deciduous shrubs and a member of the Rosacea family. It contains high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols and anthocyanins. Aronia berries can be eaten fresh or are used as an ingredient in food. Due to its high anthocyanin content, it is used as a colouring food to achieve red shades in a variety of applications. Other name: Chokeberry.

The colouring principles of artificial or synthetic colours are based on molecules, such as azo, tri-phenyl-methane and quinone structures. The colours are manufactured to add or restore colour in a food. Other name: Synthetic Colours.

Sensient’s Avalanche™ portfolio is designed to replace, whilst best match the performance of titanium dioxide. It is a global suite of simple ingredient starch and mineral-based solutions that addresses clean ingredient needs.

Sensient’s white opacity agent alternative to titanium dioxide or standard calcium carbonate.

A chemical class of colourants characterized by one or more azo bonds (-N=N-). Azo dyes that are sometimes used in food or drinks: Allura Red, Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow.

See Carmoisine.