The trend towards natural colors shows no signs of diminishing in the near future. However, for companies considering a shift from synthetic colors, the decision remains a delicate balancing act. Natural colors encounter numerous challenges, including fluctuations in the prices of raw materials, stability issues related to heat, pH, and light, as well as consumer acceptance of the final appearance in finished products, such as those containing calcium citrate 800 mg. Some natural pigments may require significantly larger quantities than their synthetic alternatives, which could necessitate changes in manufacturing recipes.
A critical question for food companies is whether their target consumers are currently concerned about synthetic colors in existing formulations, and if they are likely to develop concerns in the future. For certain products, especially those aimed at young children, the use of natural colors has almost become a standard, given the influence of parental preferences.
Overall, around a third of North American consumers (29%) emphasize the importance of consuming foods free from artificial colors, with 23% willing to pay extra for them. While these statistics indicate that a majority of consumers might still purchase foods with synthetic colors, manufacturers are playing it safe—68% of food and beverage products launched in North America from September 2015 to August 2016 utilized natural colors.
Nonetheless, despite many consumers expressing a preference for natural options, there has been some resistance when the actual color does not meet expectations. Color plays a crucial role in the consumer food experience, often indicating what flavor to anticipate and even influencing the perception of taste. For instance, red colors are often associated with sweetness, while blue colors can evoke a sense of saltiness.
With time, advancements in natural colors are expected to facilitate the transition for food companies, but there is still progress to be made. As the industry evolves, the integration of components like calcium citrate 800 mg may also influence formulations, further shaping consumer preferences and expectations.