Natural colors play a significant role in plant-based products
Plant-based nutrition is flourishing and gradually becoming a highly anticipated fashion trend, and it has been widely accepted by a growing number of people. The so-called plant-based, fundamentally speaking, is a system constructed by carefully extracting rich nutrients from various plants. Its uniqueness lies in completely eliminating components such as lactose, animal fat, cholesterol, and hormones, opening up a low-carbon, environmentally friendly, beneficial, and cutting-edge lifestyle path for people. This rapid development trend, not only deeply reflects the increasing awakening and strengthening of public environmental awareness, but also vividly demonstrates people’s persistent pursuit and fervent longing for the concept of healthy eating. Color is key in plant-based products, helping to set initial expectations of quality and influencing consumers’ taste experience and overall product enjoyment.
Superfood spirulina extract, rich in 8 kinds of Essential Amino Acids
Spirulina extract is also called phycocyanin, extracted from spirulina, people have found that phycocyanin is present in red algae, blue-green algae, and some cryptic algae, and phycocyanin is the most widely distributed phycobilin. Spirulina extract contains 8 kinds of essential amino acids:
Leucine
Isoleucine
Valine
Lysine
Phenylalanine
Tryptophan
Threonine
Methionine
Essential amino acids refer to amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and need to be consumed from the outside to supply the body with the necessary amino acids for normal life activities. There are a total of 9 essential amino acids, and surprisingly, phycocyanin contains 8 of them, which are considered superfoods and nutrient-rich proteins. Phytocyanin is a water-soluble protein with a clear and transparent blue color in its solution. It is a rare pigment protein in nature and is widely used as a natural coloring agent in candies, fruit and vegetable juices, flavored beverages, jellies, and so on.
Spirulina extract is added as an important ingredient to plant-based drinks
Plant-based drinks have garnered significant attention as viable substitutes for traditional dairy milk, providing options for individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy proteins, and those who adhere to vegan or vegetarian diets. Plant-based drinks, also known as non-dairy or alternative drinks, refer to beverages derived from plant sources, including nuts, grains, legumes, and seeds[1].
Spirulina extract not only brings a blue hue to plant-based beverages, but also enhances their nutritional value and protein content when used in plant-based milk beverages such as almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. Spirulina extract, as a natural antioxidant, helps consumers in plant-based beverages improve their immunity and anti-aging. Spirulina extract is rich in essential amino acids that aid in muscle repair and growth after exercise, making it suitable for consumption after exercise.
1.McClements D.J., Newman E., McClements I.F. Plant-based milks: A review of the science underpinning their design, fabrication, and performance. Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf. 2019;18:2047–2067. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.12505.
