Synthetic dyes still dominate in India. However, 74% of consumers in the country say they consider it important that food and drink products do not contain artificial colours.[1] 

Plant-based colours offer a modern alternative that enables brands to maximise consumer acceptance and protect against regulatory change. 

In many cases, they can also provide shades that are as vibrant as synthetic dyes – but knowledge is vital to making a successful switch. 

At GNT, we’ve been creating EXBERRY® colours from fruits, vegetables and plants for almost 50 years. We have vast experience helping food and drink manufacturers clean up their ingredient lists while achieving bright and stable shades. 

Here, we provide a brief guide to some of the key considerations when switching to plant-based colours. 

Synthetic vs. plant-based colours 

Synthetic dyes such as erythrosine, tartrazine and Sunset Yellow are made from petrochemicals. Under Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, a label example would be: “Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110).” 

Plant-based colours, on the other hand, rely on naturally occurring pigments. 

Some are created by selectively extracting the pigment from fruits, vegetables and plants. For example, EXBERRY® Annatto is made from the seeds of the achiote tree and the pigments are extracted using aqueous methods. The FSSAI allows it to be labelled in several ways including “Colour (Annatto)” and “Colour (INS 160b)”. 

Others – known as Colouring Foods – must be made from edible fruits, vegetables, spices or herbs and processed using physical methods and water. The majority of EXBERRY® colours are Colouring Foods. These concentrates retain the source materials’ colour, taste and odour and contain other compounds naturally present in the raw materials such as water, vitamins and minerals. 

Due to the way they are created, Colouring Foods qualify for clean and clear ingredient declarations under FSSAI regulations such as: “Concentrate of carrot and beetroot.” 

Making the switch 

Replacing synthetic dyes with plant-based colours isn’t a simple, one-to-one swap. 

Petrochemical-based dyes are highly concentrated, extremely stable, and chemically identical from batch to batch. You might compare them to inkjet colours in a printer: pure pigments in primary colours that are created to achieve a rainbow of shades. 

The natural pigments in plant-based colours are standardised and concentrated, but they are not pure pigments. In addition, they each have their own sensitivities to factors such as pH levels, heat and light exposure. 

That means it’s important to identify the best option for each individual application and optimise recipes as required to ensure the most vibrant, stable shades. 

Key considerations 

For a red or pink shade, the majority of fruit and vegetables we use contain anthocyanin pigments. These colours are heat-stable, but at higher pH levels they will shift blue and become unstable. They are also negatively impacted by the presence of ascorbic acid. 

Beetroot concentrates, on the other hand, contain betanin pigments. They are not affected by pH but are sensitive to heat. Their stability improves with the addition of ascorbic acid. 

Many natural yellows – such as yellow carrot and pumpkin– contain carotenoid pigments. They have excellent stability in thermal processing and are pH-independent but can be affected by high fat levels. Like betanin, carotenes’ stability can be improved with the addition of ascorbic acid. 

Successful colour replacement requires a system-specific approach. Our EXBERRY® portfolio features a wide range of raw materials that can be used – and blended – to meet different application requirements. 

We work closely with our customers to identify the best possible option for their project. We take into account your goals and requirements, including the target shade, shelf life, cost, and labelling preferences. 

We will also assess your product – including factors such as the pH, vitamin content, heating parameters and base colour – to ensure our colour solutions are the perfect fit. 

Futureproof colors 

EXBERRY® colors can provide the ideal choice for the modern market. They are made from non-GMO fruit, vegetables, and plants, are halal-friendly, and allow for clean and clear ingredient declarations. 

They are produced sustainably too, with Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data available for the vast majority of the EXBERRY® range. 

Crucially, they can also be used to achieve a broad spectrum of vibrant shades in almost any application, including beverages, confectionery, snacks, dairy, and plant-based products. 

At GNT, we’ve been delivering plant-based colour solutions for decades. If you’re looking to move away from synthetic dyes, our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you clean up your labels with a minimum of fuss. 

[1] FMCG Gurus 'Flavor, Color, Texture Trends in India' (March 2025)