First silica based effect pigment for food

Science and technology company Merck has launched what it claims to be the first silica based effect pigment approved for food use.

Designed to enhance the attractiveness of food and food supplements, the Candurin NXT Ruby Red is colour intensive and its strong mass tone and stability make it a mineral based and non-artificial dye alternative, according to Merck.

An insoluble combination of silica and iron oxide with a medium particle size of 5 to 50 micrometres, the pigment displays light, temperature and pH stability.

“Red is the number one colour in the food industry,” says Miriam Becker, director of global marketing cosmetics/decorative materials at Merck. “Thanks to its properties, Candurin NXT Ruby Red meets the growing needs of users for a superb and stable colour that also makes products very recognisable.”

The pigment imparts a distinctive finish to various products such as chocolate or baked goods, chewing gum or candies, fruit gums or other sweets, as well as giving ice cream a glitter effect.

It can also be used to highlight special properties of food supplement tablets and capsules to underscore the value of the products.

Candurin NXT Ruby Red is suitable for vegans, has no artificial colours and has Kosher and Halal certification.

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