The present invention is directed to an edible coating comprising rhodoxanthin. This edible coating has preferably a red value a* of at least 36 at the CIELAB color scale. In embodiments of the present invention the edible coating further comprises -carotene or 8-apo--caroten-8-al. This edible coating is preferably used for coating confectionary such as chocolate lentils, but not limited thereto. The present invention is also directed to precursors of such edible coatings such as sugar syrup and sugar-free alternatives, both comprising rhodoxanthin and optionally -carotene or 8-apo--caroten-8-al. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a panned confection comprising: a) an edible product center, and b) an edible coating according to the present invention.

The present invention is directed to an edible coating comprising rhodoxanthin. This edible coating has preferably a red value a* of at least 36 at the CIELAB color scale. In embodiments of the present invention the edible coating further comprises -carotene or 8-apo--caroten-8-al. This edible coating is preferably used for coating confectionary such as chocolate lentils, but not limited thereto. The present invention is also directed to precursors of such edible coatings such as sugar syrup and sugar-free alternatives, both comprising rhodoxanthin and optionally -carotene or 8-apo--caroten-8-al. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a panned confection comprising: a) an edible product center, and b) an edible coating according to the present invention.

The present invention is directed to an edible coating comprising milled rhodoxanthin having an average particle size D(v,0.5) in the range of from 400 to 650 nm, more preferably in the range of from 500 nm to 600 nm, measured by Laser Diffraction; Malvern Mastersizer 3000, MIE volume distribution. This milled rhodoxanthin is preferably added to the edible coating during its manufacture in the form of a dispersion. The edible coating is preferably used for coating confectionary such as chocolate lentils. The present invention is also directed to precursors of such edible coatings such as sugar syrup and sugar-free alternatives, both comprising such a milled rhodoxanthin.

The present invention is directed to an edible coating comprising milled rhodoxanthin having an average particle size D(v,0.5) in the range of from 400 to 650 nm, more preferably in the range of from 500 nm to 600 nm, measured by Laser Diffraction; Malvern Mastersizer 3000, MIE volume distribution. This milled rhodoxanthin is preferably added to the edible coating during its manufacture in the form of a dispersion. The edible coating is preferably used for coating confectionary such as chocolate lentils. The present invention is also directed to precursors of such edible coatings such as sugar syrup and sugar-free alternatives, both comprising such a milled rhodoxanthin.

A liquid beverage enhancer product including a shelf-stable highly concentrated liquid flavor and color solution including at least 10% non-water solvents with humectant properties including propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol and other alcohols. The liquid beverage enhancer product in combination with beverages or non-beverage food products. A method of enhancing a beverage by adding a liquid beverage enhancer product including a shelf-stable highly concentrated liquid flavor and color solution having at least 10% non-water solvents with humectant properties to a beverage, and enhancing the flavor and color of the beverage. A method of enhancing milk, milk substitute beverages, and protein containing products, by adding the liquid beverage enhancer product having a pH of greater than 4.6 to milk, milk substitute beverages, or protein containing products, and enhancing the flavor and color of the milk, milk substitute beverages, or protein containing products without curdling.

A liquid beverage enhancer product including a shelf-stable highly concentrated liquid flavor and color solution including at least 10% non-water solvents with humectant properties including propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol and other alcohols. The liquid beverage enhancer product in combination with beverages or non-beverage food products. A method of enhancing a beverage by adding a liquid beverage enhancer product including a shelf-stable highly concentrated liquid flavor and color solution having at least 10% non-water solvents with humectant properties to a beverage, and enhancing the flavor and color of the beverage. A method of enhancing milk, milk substitute beverages, and protein containing products, by adding the liquid beverage enhancer product having a pH of greater than 4.6 to milk, milk substitute beverages, or protein containing products, and enhancing the flavor and color of the milk, milk substitute beverages, or protein containing products without curdling.

The present invention is directed towards natural colorants comprising a material selected from the group consisting of genipin, purified genipin, pre-genipin compounds, iridoid compounds, genipin derivatives, a genipin-containing substance, and combinations of any thereof; and a primary amine containing compound. Processes of making natural colorants are further disclosed. Additionally, processes of producing a desired color of natural colorants are disclosed.

The present invention is directed towards natural colorants comprising a material selected from the group consisting of genipin, purified genipin, pre-genipin compounds, iridoid compounds, genipin derivatives, a genipin-containing substance, and combinations of any thereof; and a primary amine containing compound. Processes of making natural colorants are further disclosed. Additionally, processes of producing a desired color of natural colorants are disclosed.

Natural blue colorant compositions and methods of use thereof are provided. The colorant compositions include at least one acylated anthocyanin, such as a diacylated anthocyanin. The colorant composition can further include a buffer solution having a pH from about 6.0 to about 8.0 and a metal ion or salt form thereof. The colorant compositions can be derived from a natural product and provide a stable, blue colorant that can be used in food products.

Natural blue colorant compositions and methods of use thereof are provided. The colorant compositions include at least one acylated anthocyanin, such as a diacylated anthocyanin. The colorant composition can further include a buffer solution having a pH from about 6.0 to about 8.0 and a metal ion or salt form thereof. The colorant compositions can be derived from a natural product and provide a stable, blue colorant that can be used in food products.