E163B – Delphinidi
ColouringDescription
Anthocyanin pigment
Notes
Delphinidin is another member of the anthocyanin family of natural pigments, specifically responsible for the beautiful blue and purple colours in many plants. It's most commonly extracted from sources like blueberries, blackberries, aubergines (eggplants), and blue flowers such as delphiniums. The extraction process involves gently processing these plant materials with water or mild solvents to capture the pigment molecules, which are then purified and concentrated for food use. This natural colouring agent is prized for its ability to create stunning blue to purple shades in food products, which can be quite challenging to achieve with other natural colours. You'll often find delphinidin used in berry-flavoured yogurts, blue-tinted beverages, purple ice creams, and specialty confectionery where an appealing blue or purple appearance is desired. It's particularly popular in products targeting health-conscious consumers who prefer natural ingredients over synthetic blue dyes. Delphinidin is completely natural and plant-derived, making it appropriate for all dietary lifestyles including vegan, vegetarian, halal, and kosher diets. It's considered safe for consumption with no known allergen concerns. However, like other anthocyanin colours, delphinidin can be sensitive to environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and light exposure, which means the final colour in products might vary slightly and may not be as consistent or long-lasting as synthetic alternatives.