Paprika is obtained from the red pepper pod of Capsicum annum, which is grown in Spain, Africa, Hungary, China, USA and South America. Paprika is a carotenoid and is extracted to provide an oil soluble product, typically as an oleoresin. Paprika oleoresin is a mixture of several pigments, including Capsanthin and Capsorubin (reds) and beta carotene (yellow).

According to the FDA color regulations, Paprika is the ground dried pod, while Paprika Oleoresin is the combination of color and flavor obtained by extraction using approved solvents. Paprika oleoresin is the form typically utilized as a colorant in the industry. The commercially available market forms of Paprika Oleoresin, when it is used as a colorant, are typically deflavored and standardized.

Paprika is an oil soluble colorant that provides orange to reddish-orange shades in application. It can also be emulsified or encapsulated to provide stabilized, water dispersible and water miscible forms which can then be used in water based applications. Paprika is used widely for snacks, seasonings, prepared foods and processed cheeses.

Applications

Prepared Foods
Snacks
Seasonings
Dips
Marinades
Salad Dressings
Condiments
Bakery
Processed Cheese

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment which is extracted from tomatoes. It is also naturally occurring in sources such as watermelon and pink grapefruit, but it is the form from tomatoes which is most prevalent and is approved and allowed commercially in the US. It is oil soluble in its inherent state and can be emulsified in order to allow for it to be used in water based applications. Lycopene is one of the “redder” carotenoids available and provides an orange to reddish orange shade in application.

Additional forms of Lycopene are now commercially available which are Nature Identical and also derived via fermentation from the fungus, Blakeslea trispora. However, these forms are allowed in countries outside of the US. These forms are essentially the same as the form extracted from tomatoes and are also used for a wide variety of food applications.

Applications

Prepared Foods
Dairy
Yogurt
Confectionery
Beverages