Article | Jun 06. 2023 - 9:22AM

Forget Orange, Black is the new Black

When you think of colors and food black may not be the first one that pops to mind, but when used correctly black is a versatile and powerful color that can be used in the food and beverage industry to instill a sense of sophistication and elegance.

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Jessica O'Sullivan-Munck

Global Communication & Media Manager

Creating a sense of luxury and exclusivity, Oterra’s new water-soluble natural black made from carbon, ColorFruit Black 903, is ideal for making products more appealing and capable of commanding attention on the shelf.    With an increased pigment intensity compared to other natural blacks on the market, ColorFruit Black 903 offers food and beverage manufacturers a deep darker black at an ultimately lower cost in use. Our studies have found that in some applications the product has up to an incredible 30% increased color property, saving you up to 11% in cost making it a truly competitively priced solution.    Our new Black is suitable for a multitude of applications such as ice cream, bakery, and prepared foods due to its high-strength liquid formation that is heat stable, light stable, and unchanging with pH variations.    In the example below we have crafted some stunning examples of how black can be incorporated into bakery to create some truly eye-catching masterpieces.   

Suitable for a plethora of uses, including limited time offerings, such as those usually seen for Halloween where black takes centre stage, black is also a great contrasting color in food and beverage design.    Below we’ve gathered several effective color combinations using black that can be used to create a sense of elegance and sophistication: 

1. Black and Red: Red is a high-contrast color that can make the dark hue of black stand out in food products. This combination is often seen in dishes that feature spicy or bold flavors, such as Szechuan-style dishes or buffalo wings. 

2. Black and Green: This combination creates a visually striking contrast and is often seen in salads or dishes that feature vibrant green vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans. Black sesame seeds or black rice can also be used to add visual interest to a dish. 

3. Black and White: This classic color combination is often used in desserts and confections. White chocolate, whipped cream, or icing can be used to create a striking contrast against the dark hues of black cocoa powder or blackberries. 

4. Black and Yellow: This combination can be seen in dishes that feature bright yellow ingredients, such as lemons or corn. The contrast between the dark hues of black sesame seeds or black beans against the bright yellow creates a striking visual effect. 

5. Black and Orange: The combination of black and orange is often used in dishes that feature pumpkin or sweet potato, which have a vibrant orange color. Black sesame seeds or black rice can be used to create a striking visual contrast against the bright orange.    It's worth noting that the use of color in food can have an impact on consumer behavior and perception. Research has shown that color can influence the perceived taste and quality of food, as well as affect the appetite and willingness to try new foods. By incorporating black into food, food and beverage manufacturers can create visually striking and memorable products that are sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Would you like to learn more about how Oterra can help you insert a sense of excitement into your next product? Get in contact to find out more. 

"Our new Black is suitable for a multitude of applications such as ice cream, bakery, and prepared foods due to its high-strength liquid formation that is heat stable, light stable, and unchanging with pH variations. "