Natural brown EXBERRY® colors for food and drink

Color sends out powerful signals about products’ flavor, quality, and identity. EXBERRY® browns can be used to convey a sense of indulgence and richness, earthiness and naturalness, or warmth and comfort. 

Brown inspires associations with favorite flavors

Brown is used to spark associations with a wide range of well-loved flavors. 

 

It is widely associated with sweet treats such as chocolate, caramel, cola, and baked goods. One study showed that brown colored chocolate dragées were found to taste significantly more chocolatey than otherwise identical green dragées.[1] 

 

It can also evoke coffee and tea, spices and seasonings, alcoholic spirits, stews and soups, and meaty products. A separate study found that brown, black, and violet are the colors that are most strongly connected to bitter flavors.[2] 

EXBERRY® browns are made from fruits and vegetables

Brown EXBERRY® color concentrates are made from non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and plants using physical processing methods. Several of our brown colors include caramelized sugars from vegetables produced through controlled temperatures without the addition of sulfite or ammonium compounds. 

Caramelized carrot

Caramelized sugar syrup

Apple

Understanding technical factors is vital when using plant-based browns

  • When using concentrates based on caramelized sugar in beverages, a minimum dosage of 0.15% is recommended to achieve good color stability 
  • For hard-panned confectionery, we have a special product made from purple carrot, safflower, and spirulina. These raw materials are influenced by pH, with low levels delivering reddish brown hues and higher levels a darker brown shade 

  

Our experts can help you identify the best solution for your project requirements. 

EXBERRY® browns are suitable for many applications

  • Confectionery 
  • Beverages
  • Plant-based food and drink
  • Cereals and snacks
  • Bakery and icings
  • Dairy and fruit prep
  • Savory

 

Each application has its own technical considerations. For example, when coloring plant-based meat, the color of the base application may influence the required darkness and dosage of the color. We have extensive experience working with brown colors in all application types and provide expert advice for your project requirements.  

EXBERRY® brown concentrates are available in a range of formats

  • Liquid 
  • Powder
  • Micronized powder
  • Hard-panning

 

We can provide you with advice on which format is the best fit for your specific application and recipe. 

Get expert advice tailored to your project

We have worked with plant-based colors for over 40 years. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to identify the ideal option for your project. 

References

[1] Shankar, M.U. et al. ‘The Influence of Color and Label Information on Flavor Perception’ Chemosensory Perception  (2009)  

[2] Heller E. ‘Wie farben wirken. Farbpsychologie, farbsymbolik, kreative farbgestaltung’ Reinbek bei Hamburg. 1999