D.D. Williamson (DDW) “The Color House” has completed research on the stability of natural coloring in two select bakery applications. Scientists at DDW’s R & D laboratory in Louisville have learned which natural colorings provide the best potential for color retention. The study included various types of annatto extract, turmeric oleoresin, caramel color and beta-carotene in cookies and crackers. 

In cookies, DDW tested nine colorings at two concentrations under two storage conditions (frozen and accelerated) to obtain 36 cookie samples for comparison.

In crackers, DDW tested 11 colorings in two cracker types (soda and laminated) at two concentrations under two storage conditions (frozen and accelerated) to obtain 88 cracker samples for comparison.

“The concentration of some colorings, such as annatto extract, can affect how much the final cookie color changes over time,” notes Katie Queen, associate application scientist. “We learned that, in some cases, the color stability in a baked good can be increased simply by changing the amount of coloring added.”

Product developers of cookies and crackers can contact DDW to schedule a thorough presentation of the research design, results, photos and formulation recommendations.

DDW’s mission is to enhance the visual appeal of food and beverages. The Color House is a place where creativity blends with advanced technical capability to bring color ideas to life for customers. DDW’s complete portfolio of natural coloring and coloring foods, along with its sought-after caramel color and burnt sugar, help sell more than 2 billion servings of foods and beverages every day. A trusted and recognized provider of color solutions for the food and beverage industry, the company operates nine manufacturing sites on five continents for customers in 100 countries. This year, 2015, marks the company’s 150th anniversary.

— D.D. Williamson, www.ddwcolor.com