Natural colors are those derived from fruits and vegetables. In the past, it was assumed that natural colors were hard to work with, performed poorly, were expensive and had limited applications. According to Stefan Hake of GNT USA Inc., these all are myths. Today's natural colors can be used effectively in a wide variety of applications. The primary sources of natural red colors are tomatoes, grapes, red cabbage, elderberries, hibiscus and carrots. These products should be processed only without chemical solvents or preservatives, which expands their application to the organic market.
As a user, it is important to work with a supplier that is a base producer and can ensure the consistency of color intensity and shade. The supplier should be in a position to verify that the extraction method used is in accordance with good manufacturing processes, that it is not processed with any chemical solvents, and that it is a fruit and/or vegetable color and not just a selective extraction of the color pigment.