131301Sustainable, natural, functional blue colorants for food applications (KeraBlu)ClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKColorants are used extensively in the food industry for primarily aesthetic reasons. For decades, synthetic dyes have dominated, but there is a desire to source all food colorants from natural resources. Of all food colours, blue is the most difficult to achieve from natural sources. Coloration of food a true blue colour is currently dominated by a synthetic colorant, but this colorant has regulatory concerns. Natural anthocyanins (E163) are used, but are unstable and do not give a tru blue. Keracol has developed novel methods to extract anthocyanins and improve their stability; we have also developed a technique to preserve the colorants in a blue form. In this project we will develop these colorants for application in various foods, and evaluate their stability to temperature, light and pH. We will also evaluate added value as functional ingredients where they can actively provide health benefit. We will collaborate with a global partner to develop our products and provide a potential commericlasion route.