Natural colorant for food: a healthy alternative

Abstract

Natural colorant have great interest in the market. Colorant are an important aspect that affect the way we feel and judge towards foods. The color of foods is normally associated with the safety, flavor and nutritional value of the products. Therefore, it is an important characteristic that give reason for colorant to be added in foods. As a natural colorant, it can replace the synthetic dyes. Since, an artificial color additive tends to impart undesirable taste, negative health issues related to their consumption such as allergenic and intolerance reactions. Food wit h good texture, nutrients and flavor should be of appealing color then only it can be desirable for human consumption. It is therefore, essential to explore various natural sources of food grade colorants and their potential uses. This review summarizes the important of natural colorant in human health and wellness, economic impact and different groups of natural colorants as a healthy alternative compare to conventional colorant used.