The company claims the curcumin-based colouring ingredient is even more stable to extended exposure to light than standard emulsions.
Curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound which has been shown to offer various functional properties, has hitherto been difficult to apply as a colouring. Though stable at temperatures used in food processing, it is light sensitive, and reluctantly soluble in water.
Yet Roha says it has found a way to tackle these twin challenges by developing a way to dissolve the ingredient.
Natracol Bright Yellow has been devised to be a water-dispersible liquid that imparts an intense yellow shade in confectionery applications. The ingredients used in the process make it compatible in foods and ideal for panned candies and confectioneries, the company says.
It is bright yellow that stays bright yellow, with no change in shade, intensity and brightness despite changes in pH, Roha said in a statement.
At the colouring’s launch, Roha managing director Brijesh Tibrewala praised the ingenuity of his research team in Maharashtra.
"In our hot pursuit of solutions for our clients, we have invested well in people and R&D. Our 13 application labs facilitate and inspire our scientists to research, innovate and invent. We hope it will brighten up the palettes of confectioners and tickle the palates of food lovers across the globe,” Tibrewala said.