Color derived from plant-based sources, such as purple sweet potatoes, red cabbage, and berries like elderberries and blueberries, offers a vibrant alternative to synthetic dyes for food and beverage applications. Extracts from these sources provide hues ranging from delicate lavender to deep violet, depending on the specific source and processing methods.
Consumer demand for clean label products has elevated the importance of plant-derived pigments. These colorants often carry associated health benefits due to the inherent antioxidant properties of the source materials. Historically, civilizations have utilized natural colorants for food, textiles, and art, demonstrating a long-standing tradition preceding modern synthetic dye production.