Acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation

Abstract

The invention provides an acid-resistant gardenia blue colorant preparation and an acid-resistant gardenia blue colorant preparation capable of inhibiting foaming. The present invention provides an acid resistant gardenia blue colorant preparation comprising (A) a gardenia blue colorant and (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salt, and soybean polysaccharide, where the proportions of the components (B) are as follows in terms of a gardenia blue colorant having a color value of 30: (1) 0.2 to 3 mass% of propylene glycol alginate; (2) 0.5 to 2 mass% of carboxymethyl cellulose; and (3) soybean polysaccharide: 5 to 20 mass%.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-173312 filed on October 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an acid-resistant blue colorant preparation containing a gardenia blue colorant (in the present invention, this preparation is referred to as "acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation"), and a coloring composition containing the acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation. The present invention also relates to a method for suppressing aggregation of the gardenia blue colorant under acidic conditions by imparting acid resistance to the colorant. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for suppressing foaming of a coloring composition containing the acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a highly clarified coloring composition by maintaining the acid resistance of the coloring composition while suppressing foaming of the coloring composition. Background Art

[0004] The gardenia blue colorant is a water-soluble blue colorant that can be prepared by adding β-glucosidase to a mixture of iridoid glycosides and protein hydrolysates. Since the gardenia blue colorant is a natural pigment, products that meet the preferences of consumers who prefer natural materials can be designed, and the gardenia blue colorant has been used for coloring various compositions, including foods and beverages, quasi-drugs, and pharmaceuticals. However, generally, the gardenia blue colorant has the following problems: in the acidic pH range, it easily aggregates and becomes insoluble in aqueous solutions, and its acid resistance is insufficient. Specifically, since the gardenia blue colorant aggregates under acidic conditions with a pH of 4.5 or lower, the color value of a coloring composition (for example, a blue colorant preparation containing the gardenia blue colorant or foods and beverages colored with the gardenia blue colorant) decreases. In addition, when the amount of aggregates formed increases, precipitation occurs, which causes the blue colorant preparation and the coloring composition to lose their commercial value.

[0005] Therefore, one problem pointed out for the gardenia blue colorant is that the gardenia blue colorant cannot be used for coloring acidic compositions (for example, acidic edible compositions such as acidic foods and beverages).

[0006] As methods for solving this problem, the following methods have been proposed:

[0007] A method for stabilizing the gardenia blue colorant by uniformly adding pectin or other pectins (pectinic acid, pectic acid, methoxypectin) and / or glycerol fatty acid esters to the gardenia blue colorant (Patent Literature (PTL) 1);

[0008] A method for stabilizing a Gardenia blue colorant dissolved in the acidic range by adding lecithin to the Gardenia blue colorant (PTL 2); and

[0009] A method for imparting acid resistance to a Gardenia blue colorant preparation having a color value of 5 or more and 500 or less by adding gum ghatti and / or gum arabic to the Gardenia blue colorant (PTL 3).

[0010] Citation list

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] PTL 1: JP1987-19067A

[0013] PTL 2: WO2017 / 057187

[0014] PTL 3: JP2019-143145A

[0015] PTL 4: WO2016 / 068330

[0016] Non-patent documents

[0017] NPL 1: Nakamura, H. et al., Biosci Biotechnol. Biochem., 65, 2249-2258 (2001)

[0018] NPL 2: Nakamura, H. et al., Biosci Biotechnol. Biochem., 66, 1301-1313 (2002)

[0019] NPL 3: FFI Reports, “Characteristics and Applications of SoybeanPolysaccharides,” FFI Journal, Vol. 225, No. 3, 302-306 (2020). Summary of the invention

[0020] Technical problem

[0021] The first object of the present invention is to overcome the problem that the Gardenia blue colorant is liable to aggregate under acidic pH conditions. In particular, it is difficult to stably color acidic beverages with the Gardenia blue colorant for a long time. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation that can stably color (especially) acidic beverages by imparting acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant and suppressing its aggregation in an acidic aqueous solution (acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation).

[0022] A second object of the present invention is to reduce foaming caused by adding a component (polysaccharide) for imparting acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant.

[0023] The inventors of the present invention found through experiments that when an acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation is added to an acidic beverage, violent foaming may occur depending on the conditions of the stirring step during the preparation process, and a significant reduction in work efficiency was observed. The usual method for preparing a colored carbonated beverage using an acidic sugar solution is to mix and stir a high Brix acidic sugar solution pre-colored with a colorant preparation with carbonated water. The inventors of the present invention conducted this experiment and confirmed that during the preparation of the above-mentioned colored carbonated beverage, when a Gardenia blue colorant preparation containing a Gardenia blue colorant and a specific polysaccharide is used as the acid-resistant preparation, violent foaming occurs during the stage of mixing and stirring with carbonated water, and the generated bubbles do not disappear but persist for a long time (residual foaming).

[0024] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide an acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation (sometimes also referred to as an "anti-foaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation" herein) that can effectively color an acidic beverage and simultaneously suppress foaming during the production of a colored acidic beverage (including a colored carbonated beverage) using an acidic sugar solution, and a syrup containing the acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation.

[0025] A third object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a colored composition having clarity in solution form, which prepares a colored composition having clarity in solution form by suppressing foaming of the colored composition in solution form, and the colored composition in solution form contains a Gardenia blue colorant and a polysaccharide that imparts acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant, while maintaining the acid resistance of the colored composition.

[0026] Technical solution

[0027] For the first object, the inventors of the present invention conducted in-depth research and found that adding at least one polysaccharide selected from propylene glycol alginate (hereinafter referred to as "PGA"), carboxymethyl cellulose (hereinafter referred to as "CMC"), CMC salts, and soy polysaccharide to the Gardenia blue colorant can impart acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant, and the insolubility (aggregate formation) of the Gardenia blue colorant in an acidic aqueous solution is significantly suppressed.

[0028] As described above, the inventors of the present invention found that when a Gardenia blue colorant preparation ("acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation") containing a polysaccharide (for example, PGA, CMC or its salt, or soy polysaccharide) that has been confirmed to have acid resistance in the above research is added to a high Brix acidic sugar solution and stirred to dissolve, foaming easily occurs and the formed bubbles are not easily disappeared (residual foam).

[0029] Therefore, to solve this problem (the second problem), the present inventors further conducted in-depth research and found that when preparing an acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation, the foaming problem and the residual foam problem can be solved by adding at least one selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil as an antifoaming component.

[0030] The present inventors further confirmed that especially when using at least one selected from PGA, CMC, and CMC salts among the above polysaccharides, even when used together with the above antifoaming component, it can impart high acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant, and while suppressing the foaming of the coloring composition in the form of a solution containing the Gardenia blue colorant (coloring solution), it can also significantly suppress the formation of aggregates in the solution, thereby providing a coloring solution with clarity.

[0031] Based on the above various findings, the present invention was completed through in-depth research. The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0032] (I) Acid-Resistant Gardenia Blue Preparation

[0033] (I-1) An acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation, comprising:

[0034] (A) Gardenia blue colorant; and

[0035] (B) at least one selected from PGA, CMC, CMC salts, and soybean polysaccharide, wherein, based on 30 color values of the Gardenia blue colorant, the proportion of each component (B) is as follows:

[0036] (1) PGA: 0.2 to 3% by mass;

[0037] (2) CMC: 0.5 to 2% by mass;

[0038] (3) Soybean polysaccharide: 5 to 20% by mass.

[0039] (I-2) The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to (I-1), further comprising at least one antifoaming component selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil.

[0040] (I-3) The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to (I-1) or (I-2), wherein component (B) is at least one selected from PGA, CMC, and CMC salts.

[0041] (I-4) The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to any one of (I-1) to (I-3), which is in powder form.

[0042] (II) Composition Colored with Acid-Resistant Gardenia Blue Preparation

[0043] (II-1) A coloring composition, comprising the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to any one of (I-1) to (I-4).

[0044] (II-2) The coloring composition according to (II-1), wherein the composition is an acidic composition.

[0045] (II-3) The coloring composition according to (II-1) or (II-2), wherein the composition is an acidic sugar solution with a Brix of 20 to 80.

[0046] (II-4) The coloring composition according to (II-1) or (II-2), which is a food or beverage.

[0047] (II-5) The coloring composition according to (II-1) or (II-2), which is an acidic beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage.

[0048] (III) Method for Conferring Acid Resistance (Method for Inhibiting Aggregation under Acidic Conditions)

[0049] (III-1) A method for imparting acid resistance to Gardenia blue colorant to inhibit its aggregation under acidic conditions, the method comprising:

[0050] Co-existing (B) at least one selected from PGA, CMC, CMC salts, and soy polysaccharide with (A) Gardenia blue colorant.

[0051] (III-2) The method according to (III-1), further comprising co-existing component (B) with the Gardenia blue colorant in the following ratio based on 30 color values of the Gardenia blue colorant:

[0052] (1) PGA: 0.2 to 3% by mass;

[0053] (2) CMC: 0.5 to 2% by mass;

[0054] (3) Soy polysaccharide: 5 to 20% by mass.

[0055] (IV) Method for Inhibiting Foaming (Foam Inhibition Method)

[0056] (IV-1) A method for inhibiting foaming of a coloring composition, the coloring composition being in the form of a solution containing components (A) and (B),

[0057] The method comprising co-existing component (C) in the solution containing components (A) and (B),

[0058] wherein components (A), (B), and (C) are as follows:

[0059] (A): Gardenia blue colorant;

[0060] (B): at least one selected from PGA, CMC, CMC salts, and soy polysaccharide; and

[0061] (C): at least one selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil.

[0062] (IV-2) The method according to (IV-1), wherein the coloring composition is an acidic sugar solution having a Brix of 20 to 80.

[0063] (IV-3) The method according to (IV-1), wherein the coloring composition is an acidic beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage.

[0064] (IV-4) The method according to any one of (IV-1) to (IV-3), wherein, based on 30 of the Gardenia blue colorant per color value, the proportion of the component (B) in the composition is as follows:

[0065] (1) PGA: 0.2 to 3% by mass;

[0066] (2) CMC: 0.5 to 2% by mass;

[0067] (3) Soybean polysaccharide: 5 to 20% by mass.

[0068] (V) Method for Preparing a Defoaming Acid-Resistant Colored Composition in Solution Form with Clarity

[0069] (V-1) A method for preparing a coloring composition, the coloring composition being in the form of a solution containing components (A) and (B), the method being for suppressing foaming of the coloring composition, maintaining acid resistance of the coloring composition, and providing clarity to the coloring composition,

[0070] The method includes:

[0071] Causing component (C) to coexist in a solution containing components (A) and (B),

[0072] wherein components (A), (B), and (C) are as follows:

[0073] (A): Gardenia blue colorant;

[0074] (B): at least one selected from PGA, CMC, and CMC salts; and

[0075] (C): at least one selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil.

[0076] (V-2) The method according to (V-1), which includes mixing components (A) and (B) in the following amounts, based on 30 of the Gardenia blue colorant (A) per color value, the proportion of component (B) being within the following ranges:

[0077] (1) PGA: 0.2 to 3% by mass;

[0078] (2) CMC: 0.5 to 2% by mass;

[0079] (3) Soybean polysaccharide: 5 to 20% by mass.

[0080] Advantageous effects of the invention

[0081] By using the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention as a Gardenia blue colorant preparation, the formation of insoluble matter (aggregates) of the Gardenia blue colorant that is likely to form in an acidic aqueous solution with a pH of 4.5 or lower can be significantly inhibited. That is, the present invention can provide an acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation that not only has acid resistance but also is not likely to aggregate (become insoluble) in an acidic aqueous solution.

[0082] In the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparations of the present invention, especially those containing an antifoaming component, as described above, not only have acid resistance (inhibiting the formation of aggregates) but also have the property of inhibiting foaming (hereinafter also referred to as "antifoaming property"). Therefore, problems of foaming and residual foam generated during the coloring of acidic sugar solutions (preferably high Brix acidic sugar solutions) or acidic beverages (preferably carbonated beverages) can be inhibited.

[0083] In the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparations of the present invention, an acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation containing at least one selected from PGA, CMC, and CMC salts as a polysaccharide and further containing an antifoaming component has high acid resistance (inhibiting the formation of aggregates) in addition to the above-mentioned antifoaming property. Therefore, such acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparations can be effectively used for preparing clear acidic sugar solutions or acidic beverages while inhibiting problems of foaming and residual foam, which are particularly prominent during the coloring of acidic sugar solutions or acidic beverages. Description of the drawings

[0084] Figure 1 Shows the results of evaluating the acid resistance of the Gardenia blue colorant in an aqueous solution (test solution: Brix 0, pH 3.5) containing a polysaccharide and a Gardenia blue colorant in Experimental Example 3(4).

[0085] Figure 2 Shows the results of evaluating the acid resistance of the Gardenia blue colorant in an aqueous solution (test solution: Brix 30, pH 3.5) containing a polysaccharide and a Gardenia blue colorant in Experimental Example 3(4).

[0086] Figure 3 Shows the results of evaluating the acid resistance of the Gardenia blue colorant in an aqueous solution (test solution: Brix 60, pH 3.5) containing a polysaccharide and a Gardenia blue colorant in Experimental Example 3(4).

[0087] Figure 4 Shows the results of evaluating the acid resistance of the Gardenia blue colorant in an aqueous solution (test solution: Brix 0, pH 3.5) containing a Gardenia blue colorant, a polysaccharide, and an antifoaming component in Experimental Example 5(B). Detailed implementation manners

[0088] (I) Acid-Resistant Gardenia Blue Preparation

[0089] The acid-resistant Gardenia Blue preparation according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to containing a Gardenia Blue colorant (component (A)), it further contains at least one polysaccharide selected from PGA, CMC, CMC salts, and soy polysaccharide (component (B)), and thus has acid resistance.

[0090] In addition, the acid-resistant Gardenia Blue preparation according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to components (A) and (B), it further contains a specific defoaming component (component (C)), and thus has defoaming performance and acid resistance.

[0091] Component (A): Gardenia Blue colorant

[0092] The definition of Gardenia Blue colorant in the 9th Edition of Specifications and Standards for Food Additives (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan) is as follows: "Gardenia Blue colorant is obtained by adding β-glucosidase to a mixture of iridoid glycosides and protein hydrolysates extracted from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Gardenia augusta Merr). Gardenia Blue colorant may contain dextrin or lactose."

[0093] The Gardenia Blue colorant used in the present invention includes the Gardenia Blue colorant defined in the above definition.

[0094] The manufacturing method of the Gardenia Blue colorant used in the present invention and the raw materials used in the manufacturing method (for example, Gardenia fruits, iridoid glycosides obtained from Gardenia fruits, protein hydrolysates, β-glucosidase) are all known (see, for example, PTL 2 and PTL 4). The Gardenia Blue colorant used in the present invention can be manufactured using these known raw materials by or according to known manufacturing methods.

[0095] The Gardenia Blue colorant used in the present invention can be a Gardenia Blue colorant manufactured by a known manufacturing method or a commercially available Gardenia Blue colorant.

[0096] Color value

[0097] In the present invention, the "color value" of the Gardenia Blue colorant refers to "color value E 10％ 1cm ". "Color value E 10％ 1cmIt refers to the value calculated by measuring the absorbance of a 10% (w / v) aqueous solution of Gardenia blue colorant at the maximum absorption wavelength (λmax) in the visible light region using a measuring cell with an optical path length of 1 cm (hereinafter referred to as "absorbance (λmax)"). In this specification, "color value" can be abbreviated as "CV", and "color value 30" can be abbreviated as "CV30". The maximum absorption wavelength of the Gardenia blue colorant is in the range of 570 to 610 nm.

[0098] The specific method for calculating the color value of the test sample can be, for example, calculated according to the method described in the 9th Edition of the Japanese Food Additive Specifications and Standards (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan). The color value can be calculated according to the following formula.

[0099] Color Value

[0100] Color value E 10％ 1cm =(10×A×F) / Sampling amount of test sample (g)

[0101] F: Dilution factor used to adjust the measured absorbance to the range of 0.3 to 0.7

[0102] A: Measured absorbance

[0103] The term "measured absorbance" refers to the absorbance of the Gardenia blue colorant at the maximum absorption wavelength (λmax).

[0104] In the present invention, "the proportion of component (B) is P mass% based on 30 color values of Gardenia blue colorant" (where P represents any number) means that when the target acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation (test sample) is formulated into a 10% (w / v) aqueous solution of Gardenia blue colorant with an absorbance (λmax) of 300, the amount of component (B) contained in this aqueous solution is P mass%.

[0105] For example, when the target acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation is formulated into a 10% (w / v) aqueous solution of Gardenia blue colorant with an absorbance (λmax) of 100 (CV10), the amount of component (B) contained in this aqueous solution is P×1 / 3 mass%. In addition, when the target acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation is formulated into a 10% (w / v) aqueous solution of Gardenia blue colorant with an absorbance (λmax) of 3000 (CV300), the content of component (B) in this aqueous solution is P×10 mass%.

[0106] Similarly, in the present invention, "the proportion of component (C) is Q mass% based on 30 color values of Gardenia blue colorant" (where Q is any number) means that when the target acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation is formulated into a 10% (w / v) aqueous solution of Gardenia blue colorant with an absorbance (λmax) of 300, the content of component (C) in this aqueous solution is Q mass%.

[0107] Component (B): PGA

[0108] PGA is an alginic acid derivative obtained by ester - bonding propylene glycol with alginic acid extracted from seaweed. PGA is a thickening polysaccharide and has been used as a food stabilizer or thickener. Since the aqueous solution of PGA is acidic (pH: about 3.5 to 4.5 at a 1% by mass concentration), PGA is not insoluble even in foods and beverages with a low pH such as fruit juices and carbonated beverages. In addition, since it is not easily gelled even when in contact with calcium, PGA can also be applied to calcium - rich dairy products. In addition, PGA is known to be usable as a stabilizer or thickener for foods and beverages with a high salt concentration or a high alcohol concentration.

[0109] The PGA used in the present invention is not limited to an ester in which all carboxyl groups of propylene glycol and alginic acid are ester - bonded (degree of esterification: 100%), and also includes an ester in which part of the carboxyl groups of propylene glycol and alginic acid are ester - bonded, and a free acid part or a salt part (such as a sodium salt or a calcium salt) that has not reacted remains on the remaining carboxyl groups.

[0110] The degree of esterification of PGA is not restricted, but is preferably at least 40% or more, more preferably 70% to 90%.

[0111] The PGA used in the present invention is not restricted, but preferably has a degree of polymerization such that when a 1% by mass aqueous solution of PGA is prepared, the viscosity of the solution is about 10 to 250 mPa·s, preferably 60 to 100 mPa·s. The viscosity described herein is a value obtained by measuring for 1 minute at 20°C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as required) with a rotational viscometer.

[0112] In particular, from the perspective of imparting acid resistance, taking the gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30 per unit, the amount of PGA mixed with the gardenia blue colorant can be, for example, in a proportion of 0.2 to 3% by mass. In other words, in a 100% by mass acid - resistant gardenia blue preparation with a color value adjusted to 30, the PGA content is 0.2 to 3% by mass. Hereinafter, the mass% based on the gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30 per unit will be referred to as "mass% / CV30". However, as the mixing amount of PGA increases, the viscosity increases and the operability decreases. Therefore, the upper limit of the mixing amount of PGA is preferably set to 3 mass% / CV30 or less. Therefore, the upper limit of the mixing amount of PGA can be, for example, 3 mass% / CV30, 2 mass% / CV30, 1.5 mass% / CV30, or 1 mass% / CV30. The lower limit of the mixing amount of PGA can be, for example, 0.2 mass% / CV30, 0.3 mass% / CV30, 0.4 mass% / CV30, or 0.5 mass% / CV30. The amount of PGA mixed with the gardenia blue colorant can be set by arbitrarily combining these upper and lower limits.

[0113] Although there is no limitation, based on the Gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30 per unit, the mixing ratio of PGA is preferably in the range of 0.3 to 2% by mass, more preferably 0.4 to 1.5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1% by mass.

[0114] Component (B): CMC or its salt

[0115] Although there is no limitation on the CMC used in the present invention, the molecular weight of CMC is preferably such that when a 1% by mass aqueous solution of CMC is prepared, the viscosity of the solution is in the range of 150 to 250 mPa·s. The viscosity mentioned herein is the value obtained by measuring for 1 minute at 25°C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as required) with a rotational viscometer. Such CMC includes CMC with an esterification degree (mol / C 6 ) in the range of 0.55 to 0.65.

[0116] As long as the effects of the present invention can be achieved, CMC is not limited to free CMC and can also be in the form of its salts (sodium salt, potassium salt, calcium salt). The CMC salt is preferably the sodium salt of CMC.

[0117] Specifically, from the perspective of imparting acid resistance, based on the Gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30 per unit, the amount of CMC or CMC salt mixed with the Gardenia blue colorant, calculated as the amount of CMC (the same hereinafter), can be, for example, 0.5 to 2% by mass. In other words, in a 100% by mass acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation with a color value adjusted to 30, the content of CMC is 0.5 to 2% by mass.

[0118] Although there is no particular limitation, based on the Gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30 per unit, the preferred ratio of CMC can be, for example, 1 to 2% by mass.

[0119] Component (B): Soybean polysaccharide

[0120] Soybean polysaccharide is a water-soluble polysaccharide, and its main components are galactose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid. In addition, it also contains rhamnose, fucose, xylose, and glucose. Soybean polysaccharide is usually prepared using the water-insoluble dietary fiber (soybean dregs) obtained during the production of soy protein through steps of hot water extraction, purification, sterilization, and drying of defatted soybeans. The average molecular weight of soybean polysaccharide is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, and its molecular structure is presumed to include a main chain structure composed of rhamnogalacturonan and galacturonic acid, with longer neutral sugars composed of galactose and arabinose bound to its side chains (see NPL 1 and NPL 2).

[0121] It is known that adding such soybean polysaccharide as a yogurt stabilizer in acidic milk beverages can inhibit the aggregation and precipitation of milk proteins under acidic conditions (NPL 3). However, it is not clear whether soybean polysaccharide has the effect of inhibiting the aggregation of Gardenia blue colorant under acidic conditions.

[0122] Soybean polysaccharide is commercially available. Examples include SM-700, SM-900, SM-1600, and SM-640 produced by San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc.; and SOYAFIBE-S-DN (MS-700) produced by Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.

[0123] The soybean polysaccharide used in the present invention preferably has the following molecular weight: when formulated into a 1% by mass aqueous solution of soybean polysaccharide, the viscosity of the solution is in the range of 30 to 40 mPa·s. This viscosity is the value obtained after measuring for 1 minute under the conditions of 25 °C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as needed) with a rotational viscometer.

[0124] Specifically, from the perspective of imparting acid resistance, based on the Gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30 per unit, the amount of soybean polysaccharide mixed with the Gardenia blue colorant can be, for example, 5 to 20% by mass. In other words, this means that in a 100% by mass acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation with a color value adjusted to 30, the content of soybean polysaccharide is 5 to 20% by mass. The upper limit of the mixing amount of soybean polysaccharide can be, for example, 20% by mass / CV30 or 10% by mass / CV30. The lower limit of the mixing amount of soybean polysaccharide can be, for example, 5% by mass / CV30 or 10% by mass / CV30. With respect to the Gardenia blue colorant, the mixing amount of soybean polysaccharide can be set by arbitrarily combining these upper and lower limits. Although not particularly limited, based on the Gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30 per unit, the proportion of soybean polysaccharide can be, for example, 5 to 10% by mass or 10 to 20% by mass.

[0125] The acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation of the present invention contains the Gardenia blue colorant in a state where the above-mentioned Gardenia blue colorant coexists with at least one component (B). Therefore, the acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation of the present invention is characterized by excellent acid resistance. Any combination of a single component (B) or two or more components (B) can be used with the Gardenia blue colorant. Component (B) is preferably at least one selected from PGA, CMC, and soybean polysaccharide, more preferably at least one selected from PGA and CMC, and particularly preferably CMC.

[0126] Generally, Gardenia blue colorant is a water-soluble blue colorant. When the pH of an aqueous solution containing Gardenia blue colorant is 4.5 or lower, aggregation occurs and the Gardenia blue colorant becomes insoluble, resulting in a decrease in color value. In addition, as the pH decreases, the amount of aggregates (insoluble matter) increases, eventually leading to precipitation of the Gardenia blue colorant. In contrast, the acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation of the present invention containing component (B) has excellent acid resistance, and the Gardenia blue colorant is not easily aggregated even in an aqueous solution with a pH of 4.5 or lower. Therefore, even under acidic conditions with a pH of 4.5 or lower, the acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation of the present invention can stably color the composition to be colored (target composition). In particular, the acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation of the present invention has the advantage of excellent color stability under the condition of a pH of 3 to 3.5. In this specification, "acidic" means a pH of 4.5 or lower unless otherwise specified. A pH of 3 to 3.5 is preferred.

[0127] That is, in the present invention, "acid resistance" means inhibiting the formation of aggregates (anti-aggregation, anti-insolubility) in an acidic aqueous solution with a pH of 4.5 or lower (preferably 3 to 3.5). In addition, as a characteristic derived from this inhibition, "acid resistance" can also refer to the stability of the color value under acidic conditions with a pH of 4.5 or lower (preferably 3 to 3.5).

[0128] The acid resistance of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention can be evaluated by measuring the degree of aggregation (amount of aggregates), which occurs when the acid-resistant preparation (test preparation) containing Gardenia blue colorant and at least one component (B) according to the present invention and the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (control preparation) having the same composition as the test preparation but without component (B) are placed in an acidic aqueous solution (for example, an aqueous solution with a pH of 3.5), and the turbidity is compared by visual observation or measuring the absorbance at an absorption wavelength of 720 nm (hereinafter also referred to as "absorbance (720 nm)"). When visually observing or measuring the absorbance (720 nm), if the turbidity of the test preparation is lower than that of the control preparation (the amount of aggregates is less), it can be determined that the preparation has acid resistance. The specific visual evaluation method can refer to, for example, the method described in Experimental Example 1 below. The specific absorbance (720 nm) evaluation method can refer to, for example, the methods described in Experimental Examples 2 to 4 below.

[0129] The acid resistance of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention can also be evaluated by measuring the absorbance (λmax) of an acidic aqueous solution containing the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (test preparation) (the absorbance of the Gardenia blue colorant at the maximum absorption wavelength), instead of the above visual evaluation or absorbance (720 nm) measurement.

[0130] Specifically, an acidic aqueous solution containing a Gardenia blue colorant preparation (test preparation) is allowed to stand, and then the absorbance (λmax) before and after filtration through a 0.2 μm pore size filter membrane is measured. The ratio (%) of the absorbance (λmax) after filtration to the absorbance (λmax) before filtration (100%) is calculated. The closer this ratio is to 100%, the lower the degree of aggregation of the Gardenia blue colorant under acidic conditions, and it can be determined that the test preparation has acid resistance. In contrast, the lower this ratio, the higher the degree of aggregation of the Gardenia blue colorant under acidic conditions, and a test preparation with a low ratio can be determined to have poor acid resistance.

[0131] The specific evaluation method can refer to the methods described in Experimental Examples 2 to 4 below.

[0132] The color value of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation of the present invention is in the range of 5 to 500, and can be appropriately adjusted depending on the coloring purpose. The preferred color value of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation is 5 to 300, more preferably 20 to 200.

[0133] Component (C): Defoaming component

[0134] In addition to containing the above-mentioned Gardenia blue colorant and at least one component (B), the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention may also contain a defoaming component. The defoaming component (C) is preferably at least one selected from, for example, lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil.

[0135] Lecithin mainly consists of phospholipids obtained from oilseeds (plant raw materials) or animal raw materials. Examples of phospholipids include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and their enzymatically treated products (for example, lysophosphatidylcholine, which is an enzymatically decomposed product of phosphatidylcholine). Representative examples of such lecithin include, but are not limited to, plant lecithin (limited to lecithin derived from rapeseed or soybean seeds, such as soybean lecithin), sunflower seed lecithin, and egg yolk lecithin. Lecithin can be oily liquid lecithin, dry lecithin obtained by removing oil from liquid lecithin by drying (for example, powdered lecithin), fractionated lecithin obtained by fractionating and purifying liquid lecithin, enzymatically treated lecithin obtained by enzymatic treatment of lecithin, or enzymatically decomposed lecithin. All of these lecithins are commercially available. Lecithin without enzymatic treatment or decomposition is preferred.

[0136] When adding lecithin, there is no limit to the proportion of lecithin in 100% by mass of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation, but it can be appropriately selected within the range of 0.001 to 10% by mass based on the Gardenia blue colorant contained in the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation per color value of 30. In other words, it means that in a 100% by mass acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation adjusted to a color value of 30, the content of lecithin is 0.001 to 10% by mass. The content of lecithin is preferably 0.005 to 5% by mass / CV30, more preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass / CV30.

[0137] Medium-chain fatty acid oil refers to an oil in which the fatty acids constituting the oil have a medium chain length. Medium-chain fatty acid oil is also referred to as "medium-chain triglyceride" (MCT). Therefore, medium-chain fatty acid oil is also simply abbreviated as "MCT". Generally, medium-chain fatty acid oil refers to an oil composed of fatty acids having 6 to 12 carbon atoms (preferably 8 to 12 carbon atoms), 8 to 11 carbon atoms, or 8 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of medium-chain fatty acids include caproic acid (C 6 ), caprylic acid (C 8 ), pelargonic acid (C 9 ), capric acid (C 10 ), and dodecanoic acid (lauric acid, C 12 ).

[0138] Since MCT is present in the oils of plants (such as palm plants, including coconuts and palm fruits) and dairy products such as milk, medium-chain fatty acid oil (preferably plant oil such as palm kernel oil) obtained by extraction (including crude extraction) or purification (including crude purification) can be directly used or used as a raw material. In addition, products obtained by chemical synthesis methods or commercially available products can also be used as medium-chain fatty acid oil.

[0139] When adding MCT, the proportion of MCT in the 100% by mass acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation is not restricted, but it can be appropriately selected within the range of 0.001 to 10% by mass based on the gardenia blue colorant having a color value of 30 contained in the acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation. In other words, this means that in a 100% by mass acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation with the color value adjusted to 30, the content of MCT is 0.001 to 10% by mass. It is preferably 0.005% to 5% by mass / CV30, and more preferably 0.01% to 1% by mass / CV30.

[0140] Lecithin or MCT can be added to the acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation. However, in order to obtain a high defoaming effect, it is preferred to add lecithin and MCT simultaneously. When lecithin and MCT are added to the acid-resistant gardenia blue preparation in combination, the content ratio (mass ratio) of lecithin to MCT is not restricted, but it is preferably in the range of 2:8 to 5:5, and more preferably 3:7 to 5:5.

[0141] The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention, in addition to the Gardenia blue colorant and component (B), further contains an antifoaming component (antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation). Compared with the corresponding acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation without an antifoaming component, it can more effectively inhibit the foam generated when the Gardenia blue preparation is added to a target (composition to be colored) and mixed, and has the effect of being easy to operate and work. Therefore, the antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention can be applied to a coloring composition that is prone to foaming, a composition in which bubbles are difficult to disappear once formed and persist, or a composition in which bubbles are not desired, particularly an acidic composition among these types of compositions.

[0142] Examples of such acidic compositions include, but are not limited to, acidic aqueous solutions with a Brix of 0% to 80%, preferably acidic sugar solutions with a Brix of 10% to 80%, and acidic beverages (such as carbonated beverages, non-carbonated beverages, and alcoholic beverages).

[0143] In the present invention, "Brix" is a value representing the concentration of soluble solids (percentage; %) dissolved in a test sample. Specifically, Brix is the reading measured using a Brix refractometer at 20°C.

[0144] An acidic sugar solution is an acidic aqueous solution containing at least one sugar selected from monosaccharides and disaccharides. Examples of monosaccharides include fructose, glucose, and galactose. Examples of disaccharides include sucrose, maltose, and lactose. The sugar solution can contain either a single monosaccharide or disaccharide alone, or a mixture of any combination of two or more of these. For example, a mixture of isomerized sugars is a mixture of glucose and fructose made from starch. Isomerized sugars include glucose-fructose liquid sugar (fructose content: less than 50%), fructose-glucose liquid sugar (fructose content: 50% or higher and less than 90%), high-fructose liquid sugar (fructose content: 90% or higher), and sugar-mixed isomerized liquid sugar (glucose-fructose liquid sugar or fructose-glucose liquid sugar with 10% or more added sugar).

[0145] The sugar solution is preferably an isomerized sugar, more preferably fructose-glucose liquid sugar.

[0146] The Brix of the acidic sugar solution is preferably 30 to 80%, more preferably 50 to 80%, and even more preferably 60 to 70%.

[0147] The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned Gardenia blue colorant and component (B), or in addition to the above-mentioned Gardenia blue colorant, component (B), and component (C), can also be prepared by adding, for example, excipients, disintegrants, binders, surfactants, wetting agents, lubricants, pH regulators, preservatives, or fragrances, as long as such additives do not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0148] The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention contains a Gardenia blue colorant and component (B), but does not contain component (C), and can be prepared by mixing and dissolving the Gardenia blue colorant and component (B) in a solvent capable of easily dissolving such components. The resulting solution can be directly formulated into a liquid preparation, or can be concentrated or dried as needed, for example, to formulate the solution into a semi-solid or solid preparation. The dosage form of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention (for example, liquid, powder, granule or tablet) is not particularly limited, but a preparation in powder form is preferred. The solvent capable of easily dissolving such components is not limited, but water is preferred.

[0149] The antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention contains a Gardenia blue colorant, component (B) and component (C). Since component (C) is oily, it is preferably formulated into an emulsion preparation. Specifically, for example, an emulsion (emulsifying defoamer) obtained by emulsifying component (C) with an emulsifier in water is prepared in advance, and then mixed with the Gardenia blue colorant, component (B) and water to formulate a preparation. Since component (B) has emulsifying properties, component (B) can also be used as an emulsifier for preparing the emulsifying defoamer. The antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation can be formulated into a liquid emulsion preparation, or can be concentrated or dried as needed, for example, to formulate the solution into a semi-solid or solid preparation. The dosage form of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention (for example, liquid, powder, granule or tablet) is not particularly limited, but a preparation in powder form (powder preparation) is preferred.

[0150] The mixing treatment is not limited, and a homogenizer (for example, a high-pressure homogenizer, a homogenizing disperser, a homogenizing mixer, a Polytron stirrer, a colloid mill or a nano mill), a propeller stirrer, a paddle stirrer, etc. can be used. Since the mixing efficiency of the homogenizer is high, it is preferred to use a homogenizer for mixing. The drying treatment is also not limited, and known methods such as vacuum freeze-drying, ventilation drying, spray drying, vacuum drying and drum drying can be used.

[0151] (II) Composition Colored with Acid-Resistant Gardenia Blue Preparation

[0152] The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention (including the above-mentioned antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation) has excellent acid resistance (inhibiting the formation of aggregates) even under acidic conditions with a pH of 4.5 or lower. Therefore, the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention can be applied to the coloring of various compositions, and is not limited by the pH of the composition to be colored. Specifically, the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention can be applied to the coloring of acidic compositions with a pH of 2 to 4, and more particularly to the coloring of acidic compositions with a pH of 2 to 3.5 or a pH of 3 to 3.5.

[0153] The target acidic composition to be colored is not particularly limited. Examples of the target acidic composition include foods and beverages, quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The target acidic composition is preferably foods and beverages having an acidic pH of 4.5 or lower, and edible raw material compositions for producing foods and beverages.

[0154] The acidic foods and beverages colored with the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples include beverages (including soft drinks, carbonated beverages, lactic acid beverages, milk-containing beverages, and alcoholic beverages), frozen desserts, desserts (e.g., jelly, Bavarian desserts, yogurt), sugar confectionery (e.g., lollipops, gummy candies), chewing gums, jams, soups, pickles, and seasonings (e.g., dressings, sauces). Particularly preferred foods and beverages are beverages, desserts, or confectioneries. Since the pH of food and drinking products such as beverages (especially carbonated beverages), desserts, and sugar confectionery is usually about 3, it is difficult to stably color them using conventional Gardenia blue colorants. In addition, since many beverages, desserts, and sugar confectionery are highly transparent, the formation of aggregates may directly lead to a decrease in the commercial value. In contrast, the acid-resistant Gardenia blue colorant preparation of the present invention can significantly inhibit the formation of aggregates or precipitation of the Gardenia blue colorant even in foods and beverages having a pH of 4.5 or lower (preferably 3.5 or lower), and can stably color the target foods and beverages to a desired hue.

[0155] The raw material composition for producing a food or beverage to be colored with the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention includes an acidic solution having a Brix of 0% to 80%, preferably an acidic sugar solution having a Brix of 20% to 80%, such as those described above. In particular, a high-Brix acidic sugar solution having a Brix of 50% to 80% is a raw material composition for producing foods and beverages suitable for coloring acidic beverages.

[0156] The acidic sugar solution having a Brix of 50° to 80° colored with the antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation containing component (C) in addition to component (B) has antifoaming properties in addition to acid resistance. Therefore, when this acidic sugar solution is used to produce foods and beverages such as drinks, the resulting foods and beverages are not easily foamed, and even if foamed, the formed bubbles easily disappear. In other words, the acidic sugar solution colored with the antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation containing component (C) in addition to component (B), and the colored food or beverage containing this acidic sugar solution have both acid resistance and antifoaming properties, and significantly inhibit the foaming problem during production and the formation of aggregates during storage. Acidic foods or beverages with particularly serious foaming problems during production and formation of aggregates during storage are acidic beverages. In particular, carbonated beverages are acidic beverages with particularly serious foaming problems during production.

[0157] The addition amount of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention in the target composition (composition to be colored) can be appropriately adjusted depending on the type and use of the composition. For example, the addition amount of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention is preferably such that the content of the Gardenia blue colorant in the composition to be colored is 0.01 to 0.2% by mass.

[0158] The coloring method of the present invention can be carried out by adding the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention to the target composition to be colored and mixing. Since the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation of the present invention has acid resistance, the addition time and preparation method of the colorant preparation are not limited, and the composition can be colored in the same or different manner as conventional natural colorants.

[0159] (III) Method for Conferring Acid Resistance (Method for Inhibiting Aggregation under Acidic Conditions)

[0160] The present invention also provides a method for imparting acid resistance to a Gardenia blue colorant and suppressing aggregation under acidic conditions.

[0161] This method can be carried out by coexisting the Gardenia blue colorant with at least one selected from PGA, CMC, CMC salts, and soybean polysaccharides (component (B)). The method of coexisting the Gardenia blue colorant with component (B) and the mixing ratio of component (B) and the Gardenia blue colorant are as described above.

[0162] (IV) Method for Inhibiting Foaming

[0163] The present invention also provides a method for suppressing foaming of a solution containing a Gardenia blue colorant and component (B).

[0164] This method can be carried out by coexisting at least one defoaming component selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oils (component (C)) in a solution containing a Gardenia blue colorant and component (B). Examples of such solutions include acidic aqueous solutions with a Brix of 0% to 80% (preferably acidic sugar solutions with a Brix of 20% to 80%, more preferably acidic sugar solutions with a Brix of 50% to 80%) and acidic beverages (such as carbonated beverages, non-carbonated beverages, and alcoholic beverages). The method of coexisting the defoaming component together in a solution containing a Gardenia blue colorant and component (B), and the mixing ratio of component B and component C with the Gardenia blue colorant are as described above.

[0165] (V) Method for Preparing an Acidic Composition with Defoaming Performance and Clarity

[0166] The present invention also provides a method for preparing an acidic composition containing a Gardenia blue colorant and component (B), which is used to suppress foaming of the acidic composition, maintain the acid resistance of the acidic composition, and provide clarity to the acidic composition.

[0167] This method can be carried out by coexisting at least one defoaming component (component (C)) selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil in a solution containing gardenia blue colorant and at least one component (component (B')) selected from PGA, CMC and CMC salts.

[0168] Examples of the solution include acidic aqueous solutions with a Brix of 0% to 80% (preferably acidic sugar solutions with a Brix of 20% to 80%, more preferably acidic sugar solutions with a Brix of 50% to 80%) and acidic beverages (such as carbonated beverages, non-carbonated beverages and alcoholic beverages). The method of coexisting the defoaming component in the solution containing gardenia blue colorant and component (B'), and the mixing ratios of component (B') and (C) with gardenia blue colorant are as described above.

[0169] In this specification, the terms "comprising" and "containing" used above include the meanings of "consisting of" and "essentially consisting of".

[0170] Examples

[0171] To help understand the constitution and effects of the present invention, the present invention will be described below in conjunction with experimental examples. However, these experimental examples do not limit the present invention in any way. Unless otherwise specified, the following experiments are carried out under room temperature (25 ± 5°C) and normal pressure conditions. Hereinafter, "%" represents mass percentage and "parts" represents parts by mass.

[0172] The materials used in the following experimental examples are as follows:

[0173] Powdery gardenia blue colorant (CV300): Powdery Sun Blue GB300 (produced by San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc.)

[0174] Gardenia blue colorant concentrate (CV253): Sun Blue GB concentrate (produced by San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc.)

[0175] Propylene glycol alginate (PGA): Product name Kimiloid LV (produced by Kimica Corporation) (viscosity of 1% aqueous solution: 60 - 100 mPa·s) (viscosity measured using a rotational viscometer at 20°C for 1 minute at 30 rpm (using a rotor as required))

[0176] Xanthan gum: Product name KELTROL T (produced by CP Kelco)

[0177] Modified starch: Product name Purity Gum BE (produced by Ingredion Inc.)

[0178] Carrageenan: Product name GENU Hi-pHive (manufactured by CP Kelco)

[0179] Gellan gum, natural: Product name KELCOGEL LT100 (manufactured by CP Kelco) Gellan gum, deacetylated: Product name KELCOGEL (manufactured by CP Kelco)

[0180] Sodium alginate (high viscosity): Product name Kimica Algin IL-6G (manufactured by Kimica Corporation) (Viscosity of 1% aqueous solution: 50 - 80 mPa·s) (Viscosity measured using a rotational viscometer at 20°C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as needed) for 1 minute)

[0181] Sodium alginate (low viscosity): Product name Kimica Algin ULV1 (manufactured by Kimica Corporation) (Viscosity of 10% aqueous solution: 100 - 200 mPa·s) (Viscosity measured using a rotational viscometer at 20°C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as needed) for 1 minute)

[0182] Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC): Product name SUNROSE F20LC (manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) (Viscosity of 1% aqueous solution: 150 - 250 mPa·s) (Degree of esterification DS (mol / C 6 ) : 0.55 - 0.65) (Viscosity measured using a rotational viscometer at 25°C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as needed) for 1 minute)

[0183] Soybean polysaccharide: Product name SOYAFIBE-S-DN (MS-700) (manufactured by Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.) (Viscosity of 10% aqueous solution: 30 - 40 mPa·s) (Viscosity measured using a rotational viscometer at 25°C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as needed) for 1 minute)

[0184] Gum ghatti: Product name GATIFOLIA RD-SP (manufactured by San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc.) (Molecular weight (Mw): approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000)

[0185] Gum arabic: Quick Gum NRC (EM-10) (manufactured by San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc.)

[0186] High molecular weight (HM) pectin: GENU Pectin JM-150-J type (manufactured by CP Kelco)

[0187] Low molecular weight (LM) pectin: GENU Pectin LM-102AS-J type (produced by CP Kelco)

[0188] Agar: Product name Ultra Agar AX-30 (produced by Ina Food Industry Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 1.5% aqueous solution: 3 mPa·s) (viscosity measured using a rotational viscometer at 85 °C and 30 rpm (using a rotor as needed) for 1 minute)

[0189] Lecithin: Product name Giralec Premium (produced by Lasenor Emul S.L.)

[0190] Medium-chain fatty acid oil (MCT): Product name MASESTER E6000 triglyceride caprylate (produced by PT. Musim Mas)

[0191] Fructose-glucose liquid sugar: Product name Newlacto 55 (isomerized sugar containing 55% or more fructose) (produced by Showa Sangyo Co., Ltd.)

[0192] Dextrin: Product name MALTRIN (registered trademark) T100 (DE: 8.0 - 9.9) (produced by Sansho Co., Ltd.)

[0193] McIlvaine buffer (pH 3.5): Mix 0.1 mol / L disodium hydrogen phosphate and 0.1 mol / L citric acid, and adjust the pH of the mixture to 3.5.

[0194] Experimental Example 1: Acid Resistance Test of Gardenia Blue Colorant Preparation

[0195] (1) Preparation of Gardenia blue colorant preparation

[0196] Using powdered Gardenia blue colorant (CV300), prepare an aqueous solution of CV30. Add various polysaccharides shown in Table 1 in different amounts thereto, and stir to dissolve. Since the pH of the final aqueous solution varies depending on the type of polysaccharide used, the pH of all final aqueous solutions is adjusted to 6.0 using aqueous citric acid solution or aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Filter each of the thus-adjusted solutions through a 100-mesh sieve, and homogenize the filtrate (240 bar, 4 times) using a bench-top homogenizer (LAB-1000 laboratory pressure homogenizer, produced by SMT Co., Ltd.; the same applies in the following experimental examples). The obtained product is used as the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30) (Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6). Adjust the content of each polysaccharide in the Gardenia blue colorant preparation to a conventional concentration at which the final aqueous solution does not gel and is fluid.

[0197] In addition, as a control, a Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30, pH 6) without any polysaccharide was prepared.

[0198] (2) Acid resistance test method

[0199] The prepared Gardenia blue colorant preparations (Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 to 6, and Control Example: CV30) were subjected to an acid resistance test.

[0200] The acid resistance test was carried out by allowing each Gardenia blue colorant preparation to stand overnight (12 hours) at room temperature under acidic conditions and evaluating the presence or absence of aggregates and their degree of aggregation. Samples in which the formation of aggregates was inhibited under acidic conditions were evaluated as "acid-resistant", while samples in which the formation of aggregates was not inhibited were evaluated as "not acid-resistant".

[0201] Specifically, 83 μL of each Gardenia blue colorant preparation (Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 to 6, Control Example) was added to a transparent colorless glass bottle containing 100 mL of McIlvaine buffer (pH 3.5), and the final CV was adjusted to 0.025. The prepared McIlvaine buffer containing the Gardenia blue colorant preparation was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature, and then the presence or absence of formed aggregates and the amount of formed aggregates in the buffer were visually observed from the outside of the glass bottle. The amount (degree) of aggregates formed in the buffer prepared with the Gardenia blue colorant preparation in the control example was used as an evaluation standard (control), and the acid resistance (the effect of inhibiting the formation of aggregates under acidic conditions) was evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0202] Standard

[0203] A: Acid resistance: No aggregates were observed, or the amount of formed aggregates was less than the control (the presence of aggregates could not be seen unless observed from near the glass bottle).

[0204] B: Not acid-resistant: The amount of formed aggregates was the same as or more than the control (the presence of aggregates could be seen even when far from the glass bottle).

[0205] (3) Acid resistance test results

[0206] Table 1 shows the results.

[0207] Table 1

[0208]

[0209] The above results confirmed that among the polysaccharides evaluated, only PGA showed an effect of inhibiting the aggregation of Gardenia blue colorant under acidic conditions, and PGA is a material (polysaccharide) that can impart acid resistance to Gardenia blue colorant.

[0210] Experimental Example 2: Evaluation of Acid Resistance of Gardenia Blue Colorant Preparation in Acidic Sugar Solution

[0211] (1) Preparation of Acidic Sugar Solution Containing Gardenia Blue Colorant Preparation

[0212] Dissolve the powdered gardenia blue colorant (CV300) in an aqueous solution containing different concentrations of PGA. Adjust the pH of the resulting solution to 5.0 with an aqueous citric acid solution or an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Filter the adjusted solution through a 100-mesh sieve, and homogenize the filtrate individually using a bench-top homogenizer (240 bar, 4 times) to prepare a clear blue aqueous solution of gardenia blue colorant containing PGA (gardenia blue colorant preparation) (CV30). The PGA concentrations in 100 mass% of the gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30) are 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% respectively.

[0213] Then, mix each gardenia blue colorant preparation with an acidic syrup having the formulation shown in Table 2 below (pH 3.5, Brix 10) to prepare an acidic syrup containing the gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV 0.025). Heat-sterilize the acidic syrup with an IH heater until it reaches 93 °C, then cool it to room temperature, and place it in a 100 mL transparent PET screw-cap bottle to be used as a test solution (CV 0.025, pH 3.5, Brix 10).

[0214] Table 2

[0215] Formulation of Acidic Syrup (pH 3.5, Brix 10)

[0216] Fructose Glucose Liquid Sugar 13.3％ Anhydrous Citric Acid 0.2％ Trisodium Citrate Adjust the pH to 3.5 Water Balanced Total 100.0％

[0217] (2) Acid Resistance Evaluation Method

[0218] Evaluate the acid resistance of the test solution prepared above. The evaluation is carried out as follows: Prepare the test solution, then let the test solution stand in a cool and dark place (5 °C) for 3 hours and 1 week, and then measure the absorbance of the test solution at the maximum absorption wavelength (λmax: in the region of 590 - 600 nm) and at the absorption wavelength of 720 nm. Measure the absorbance of the test solution before filtration (unfiltered solution) and the test solution after filtration through a 0.2 μm filter (i.e., after filtration through a cellulose acetate filter element with a pore size of 0.2 μm; the same applies to the following examples) at the maximum absorption wavelength. The residual rate (%) of the gardenia blue colorant in the filtered test solution is calculated based on the ratio of the absorbance after filtration to the absorbance before filtration, as shown in the following formula.

[0219] Formula

[0220] Residual rate (%) of Gardenia blue colorant in the filtered test solution = Absorbance of the filtered test solution (λmax) / Absorbance of the test solution before filtration (λmax) × 100

[0221] (3) Evaluation results

[0222] Since the test solution containing 3% PGA had a high viscosity and could not be filtered, its acid resistance was not evaluated. Table 3 shows the results of the test solutions other than this solution.

[0223] Table 3

[0224]

[0225]

[0226] The results showed that when the PGA content in the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30) was 0.1% or less, the residual rate (%) of the Gardenia blue colorant decreased; that is, the Gardenia blue colorant aggregated and became insoluble under acidic conditions. These results indicate that for Gardenia blue colorant with a color value of 30, a Gardenia blue colorant preparation containing 0.2% or more of PGA (preferably containing 0.3% or more of PGA) inhibits the formation of insoluble matter (aggregates) over time in an acidic syrup with a Brix of 10% (pH 3.5).

[0227] Experimental Example 3: Evaluation of the Effect of Various Polysaccharides on Conferring Acid Resistance to Gardenia Blue Colorant Preparation (1) Preparation of Gardenia blue colorant preparation

[0228] Prepare Gardenia blue colorant preparations containing various polysaccharides in specific proportions according to the following method (see Table 4).

[0229] Preparation of Gardenia blue pre-emulsion

[0230] 1. Weigh (C) g of ion-exchanged water and 40.0 g of propylene glycol (PG) into a 1000 mL stainless steel container.

[0231] 2. Place the container in a warm water bath set at (D) °C and stir the PG aqueous solution in the container with a homogenizer (ROBO MICS, manufactured by Primix Corporation; the same applies to the following experimental examples).

[0232] 3. Weigh (B) g of each polysaccharide (A), and gradually add it to the PG aqueous solution under stirring, and continue to stir at (D) °C and 2000 rpm for 10 minutes to dissolve the polysaccharide (A).

[0233] 4. Stir this solution at room temperature (20 ± 15 °C) and 2000 rpm, and while stirring, add 47.4 g of Gardenia blue colorant concentrate to the solution, and stir the resulting mixture for 5 minutes to obtain a pre-emulsion.

[0234] 5. Let the pre-emulsion stand at room temperature (20 ± 15 °C) for at least 1 hour to remove air bubbles.

[0235] The emulsion thus obtained is used as the Gardenia blue pre-emulsion (Test Parts 1 to 3).

[0236] Table 4

[0237]

[0238] Preparation of Gardenia Blue Colorant Preparation

[0239] 1. Place the Gardenia blue pre-emulsion (Test Parts 1 to 3) prepared above in the hopper of a bench-top homogenizer.

[0240] 2. After an initial outflow (equivalent to 5 pushes), adjust the pressure to 50 bar for the first stage and 350 bar for the second stage, and pass the Gardenia blue pre-emulsion through the inside of the homogenizer under pressure.

[0241] 3. Return the Gardenia blue emulsion flowing out through the inside of the homogenizer under pressure to the hopper and pass it through the inside 4 times (i.e., repeat) at a pressure of 350 bar (main emulsification).

[0242] Each of the Gardenia blue emulsions thus prepared is used as a Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30) in the following experiments.

[0243] (2) Viscosity measurement

[0244] Measure the viscosity of each of the Gardenia blue colorant preparations prepared above at 25 °C using a viscometer (TVB-10 viscometer: model TVB-10M, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

[0245] Table 5 shows the results.

[0246] Table 5

[0247]

[0248]

[0249] (3) Preparation of test solutions

[0250] Prepare acidic aqueous solutions 1 to 3 (Brix 0, 30, 60; pH 3.5) having the formulations shown in Table 6 and place them in stainless steel containers.

[0251] Table 6

[0252]

[0253] The above-prepared Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30) was added to each of the above acidic aqueous solutions 1 to 3 to prepare an aqueous solution containing an acidic Gardenia blue colorant (Brix: 0, 30, 60; pH: 3.5). Subsequently, the mixture was heated to 93 °C for sterilization using an IH heater, cooled to room temperature, and then the weight was corrected with ion-exchanged water so that the concentration of the Gardenia blue colorant was equivalent to CV0.024. This solution was filled into 50 mL transparent PET screw-cap bottles and used as the test solution.

[0254] (4) Acid resistance evaluation method

[0255] The acid resistance of the Gardenia blue colorant in the above-prepared test solution (Brix: 0, 30, 60; pH: 3.5, equivalent to CV0.024) was evaluated.

[0256] Tables 7 to 9 show the polysaccharide concentration in the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30) used to prepare the test solution and the maximum absorption wavelength (λmax) of the test solution.

[0257] The evaluation was carried out as follows: Each test solution was placed in a cool and dark place (5 °C) and allowed to stand for 3 months, and then the maximum absorption wavelength (λmax) of the test solution and the absorbance at the absorption wavelength of 720 nm were measured. The absorbance measurement at the maximum absorption wavelength was carried out in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2. Specifically, the absorbance of the test solution immediately after preparation (before filtration treatment) (unfiltered solution) and the test solution that had stood for 3 months and then was filtered through 0.2 μm was measured. The residual rate (%) of the Gardenia blue colorant in each test solution after filtration was calculated from the ratio of the absorbance before filtration to the absorbance after filtration.

[0258] (5) Evaluation results

[0259] Table 7 and Figure 1 show the evaluation results of the test solution (Brix: 0, pH: 3.5). Table 8 and Figure 2 show the evaluation results of the test solution (Brix: 30, pH: 3.5). Table 9 and Figure 3 show the evaluation results of the test solution (Brix: 60, pH: 3.5).

[0260] Table 7

[0261] Evaluation results of the test solution (Brix: 0, pH: 3.5)

[0262] * Polysaccharide concentration in the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30)

[0263] Among the 11 types of polysaccharides, PGA (0.1% / CV30), gum ghatti (1% / CV30), HM pectin (1% or less / CV30), LM pectin (0.2% / CV30), xanthan gum, agar, sodium alginate (low-viscosity sodium alginate, high-viscosity sodium alginate) have poor effects in inhibiting the aggregation (precipitation) of Gardenia blue colorant in acidic aqueous solutions, and almost no effect of conferring acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant was observed.

[0264] Table 8

[0265] Evaluation results of the test solution (Brix 30, pH 3.5)

[0266] * Concentration of polysaccharide in the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30)

[0267] Table 9

[0268] Evaluation results of the test solution (Brix 60, pH 3.5)

[0269]

[0270] * Concentration of polysaccharide in the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30)

[0271] The results of Table 8 and Table 9 show that as the Brix of the test solution increases, the effect of conferring acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant decreases; this trend is observed not only when using PGA (0.1% / CV30), gum ghatti (1% / CV30), HM pectin (1% or less / CV30), LM pectin (0.2% / CV30), xanthan gum, agar or sodium alginate (low-viscosity, high-viscosity), but also when using PGA (0.5% / CV30, 1.0% / CV30), gum ghatti (1% / CV30), HM pectin (2% / CV30) or LM pectin (1% / CV30, 2% / CV30). In addition, it was also observed that the effect of conferring acid resistance to the Gardenia blue colorant using gum arabic also tended to decrease.

[0272] The above results show that CMC (1 - 2% / CV30), gum ghatti (3 - 5% / CV30) and soy polysaccharide (5 - 20% / CV30) have the effect of conferring acid resistance (inhibiting aggregation) to the Gardenia blue colorant in acidic aqueous solutions (Brix 0 - 60%). These results indicate that when such polysaccharides are used in combination with the Gardenia blue colorant, the formation of aggregates of the Gardenia blue colorant can be inhibited in a wide range of acidic aqueous solutions with a Brix of 0 to 60%.

[0273] In addition, the viscosity measurement results of the Gardenia blue colorant preparation confirmed that the inhibitory effect of the polysaccharide on the Gardenia blue colorant aggregates is independent of its thickening effect.

[0274] Experimental Example 4: Defoaming Test of Acid-Resistant Gardenia Blue Preparation - Part 1

[0275] (1) Preparation of test samples

[0276] The Gardenia blue colorant preparation (CV30, PGA concentration: 1.0% / CV30) prepared in Experimental Example 1 and confirmed to be acid-resistant (Example 1: Acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation) was added to an acidic sugar solution (acidic syrup: pH 2.3, Brix 60) having the formulation shown in Table 10 to prepare a colored acidic syrup (CV0.3).

[0277] Table 10

[0278] Syrup formulation (pH 2.3, Brix 60)

[0279] Fructose Glucose Liquid Sugar 79.0％ Anhydrous Citric Acid 1.3％ Trisodium Citrate 0.1％ Water 19.6％ Total Weight 100.0％

[0280] The defoaming components shown in Table 11 were added to the colored acidic syrup (pH 2.3, Brix 60, CV0.3) to a final concentration of 0.005%. Each resulting mixture was gently mixed to prepare a colored acidic syrup containing a defoaming component (test samples: Examples 3-1 to 3-3). As a control, a colored acidic syrup (pH 2.3, Brix 60, CV0.3) without any defoaming component was used (control example).

[0281] (2) Evaluation of the defoaming effect of defoaming components

[0282] The 50 mL test samples (Examples 3-1 to 3-3 and control example) prepared above were individually placed in 100 mL transparent glass beakers and stirred with a homogeneous disperser (3000 rpm, 5 minutes). The amount of bubbles generated immediately after stirring and the amount of bubbles after standing at room temperature for 10 minutes were measured.

[0283] The result of the test sample (control example) that generated the most bubbles was defined as "× (no effect)", and the defoaming effect of the defoaming components added to the test samples (Examples 3-1 to 3-3) was evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0284] Defoaming Effect

[0285] A: Strong defoaming effect: Almost no foaming was observed.

[0286] B: Defoaming effect: Although bubbles were observed on the liquid surface, the degree of foaming was lower than that of the control example.

[0287] C: No defoaming effect: The same degree of foaming as in the control example was observed.

[0288] (3) Evaluation results

[0289] Table 11 shows the results.

[0290] Table 11

[0291]

[0292]

[0293] The test sample (control example) colored with the Gardenia blue colorant preparation containing PGA (acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation) was prone to foaming, and the generated bubbles were not easily dissipated but persisted over time. In contrast, it was confirmed that adding lecithin or MCT, or both, to the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation could immediately inhibit foaming after stirring, and the inhibition could also persist stably even after the preparation was allowed to stand. That is, it was found that both lecithin and MCT had good defoaming effects on the acidic syrup containing the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation. The results further confirmed that the combination of lecithin and MCT could further improve the defoaming effect.

[0294] Experimental Example 5: Defoaming Test of Acid-Resistant Gardenia Blue Preparation - Part 2

[0295] The following evaluation was carried out on the Gardenia blue colorant preparation (acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation) containing polysaccharides (PGA, CMC, guar gum, gum arabic, and soy polysaccharide), which was confirmed to have an acid-resistant effect on the Gardenia blue colorant in Experimental Example 3.

[0296] (A) Defoaming effect of the defoaming component on the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation

[0297] (B) Acid resistance of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation containing the defoaming component

[0298] As the defoaming component, an equal-mass mixture (mass ratio 5:5) of lecithin and MCT, which was confirmed to have a defoaming effect in Experimental Example 4, was used.

[0299] (1) Preparation of the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation containing the defoaming component (acid-resistant defoaming Gardenia blue preparation)

[0300] An emulsion containing various polysaccharides and the defoaming component was prepared according to the following method (see Table 12).

[0301] Preparation of the emulsion

[0302] 1. Weigh (C) g of ion-exchanged water and 40.0 g of propylene glycol, and place them in a 1,000 mL stainless steel container.

[0303] 2. Place the container in a warm water bath set at (D) °C and stir the aqueous solution containing PG in the container using a homogeneous disperser.

[0304] 3. While stirring, add (B) g of each polysaccharide (A) in small portions multiple times to the aqueous solution containing PG, and stir at 80 °C and 2000 rpm for 10 minutes to dissolve.

[0305] 4. At room temperature (20 ± 15 °C), stir at 2000 rpm and add 47.4 g of the Gardenia blue colorant concentrate to the solution.

[0306] 5. Stir at 2000 rpm and simultaneously add an antifoaming agent (2 g of lecithin and 2 g of MCT), and stir the resulting mixture for 10 minutes to obtain a pre-emulsion (Gardenia blue pre-emulsion).

[0307] 6. Place the Gardenia blue pre-emulsion in the hopper of a bench-top homogenizer and pass the pre-emulsion through the inside of the homogenizer 4 times (i.e., repeat) at a pressure of 350 bar (pass through 4 times under pressure) to obtain an emulsion (Gardenia blue emulsion).

[0308] 7. Pass the Gardenia blue emulsion through a 150-mesh filter and collect it in a wide-mouth container made of 250 mL PE.

[0309] Use the Gardenia blue emulsion thus prepared as an antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation for the following experiments.

[0310] Table 12

[0311]

[0312] (2) Preparation of the test solution

[0313] Prepare an acidic aqueous solution (Brix 0) with the formulation shown in Table 13 in a stainless-steel container.

[0314] Table 13

[0315] Brix of 0 Fructose Glucose Liquid Sugar 0g Anhydrous Citric Acid (Citric anhydride) 2g Trisodium Citrate Adjust the pH to 3.5 Water 998g Total Weight 1000g

[0316] Add the antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation prepared in (1) to the acidic aqueous solution (Brix 0, pH 3.5). Subsequently, heat the resulting mixture to 93 °C for sterilization using an IH heater, then cool to room temperature, and correct the weight with ion-exchanged water. Place the resulting mixture in a 50 mL transparent PET screw-cap bottle. This is used as the test solution (Brix 0, pH 3.5).

[0317] (A) Evaluation of Defoaming Effect

[0318] In the same manner as described in Experimental Example 4(2), the antifoaming performance of the test solution prepared above (pH 3.5, Brix 0) was evaluated. A test solution prepared in the same manner as above (pH 3.5, Brix 0) (except that an acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation without an antifoaming component was used instead of the antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation) was used as a reference solution and rated "C: No antifoaming effect" (control example).

[0319] In the same manner as in Experimental Example 4(2), the test solution was placed in a transparent glass beaker and stirred with a homogenizer, and the antifoaming effect of each antifoaming component was evaluated based on the amount of bubbles generated immediately after stirring and the amount of bubbles after standing at room temperature for 10 minutes. Table 14 shows the results.

[0320] Table 14

[0321]

[0322] * Polysaccharide concentration in acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation (CV30)

[0323] These results confirmed that the antifoaming components for which an antifoaming effect was confirmed in Experimental Example 4 exhibited an antifoaming effect on any Gardenia blue colorant preparation containing polysaccharide (antifoaming acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation) shown in Table 14.

[0324] (B) Acid Resistance of Defoaming Acid-Resistant Gardenia Blue Preparation Containing Defoaming Component

[0325] (1) Method for evaluating acid resistance of test solution

[0326] The acid resistance of each of the test solutions prepared above (pH 3.5, Brix 0) was evaluated.

[0327] The evaluation was carried out as follows: Immediately after preparation, the absorbance of each test solution was measured at the maximum absorption wavelength (in the 590 - 600 nm region) and at an absorption wavelength of 720 nm. The absorbance of each test solution at the maximum absorption was measured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2. Specifically, the absorbance of each test solution before filtration (unfiltered) and the absorbance of the test solution after 0.2 μm filtration were measured. After filtration, the residual rate (%) of the Gardenia blue colorant in the test solution was calculated from the ratio of the absorbance before filtration to the absorbance after filtration.

[0328] (2) Evaluation results

[0329] Table 15 and Figure 4 show the acid resistance evaluation results of the test solutions.

[0330] Table 15

[0331] Evaluation results of test solution (Brix 0)

[0332]

[0333] *Polysaccharide concentration in acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation (CV30)

[0334] The results confirmed that these polysaccharides can exhibit the effect of inhibiting the aggregation of Gardenia blue colorant in acidic aqueous solutions (the effect of imparting acid resistance), even in the presence of defoaming components. However, the results also showed that when gum acacia, gum arabic, or soy polysaccharide was used as the polysaccharide, the absorbance (turbidity) at 720 nm tended to increase. Therefore, when preparing a clarified, defoaming, acid-resistant acidic aqueous solution containing Gardenia blue colorant (for example, an acidic beverage colored with Gardenia blue colorant), it is considered preferable to use PGA or CMC as the polysaccharide having the effect of imparting acid resistance.

Claims

1. An acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation, comprising: (A) Gardenia blue colorant; and (B) at least one selected from propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salts, and soy polysaccharide, wherein based on 30 color values of the Gardenia blue colorant, the proportions of each component (B) are as follows: (1) Propylene glycol alginate: 0.2 to 3% by mass; (2) Carboxymethyl cellulose: 0.5 to 2% by mass; (3) Soy polysaccharide: 5 to 20% by mass.

2. The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil.

3. The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to claim 2, wherein component (B) is at least one selected from propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose salts.

4. The acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to claim 1 or 2, which is in powder form.

5. A coloring composition, comprising the acid-resistant Gardenia blue preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The coloring composition according to claim 5, which is an acidic composition.

7. The coloring composition according to claim 5 or 6, which is an acidic sugar solution with a Brix of 20 to 80.

8. The coloring composition according to claim 5 or 6, which is a carbonated beverage.

9. A method for imparting acid resistance to a Gardenia blue colorant to inhibit its aggregation under acidic conditions, the method comprising: co-existing (A) Gardenia blue colorant with (B) at least one selected from propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salts, and soy polysaccharide.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein based on 30 color values of the Gardenia blue colorant, each component (B) co-exists with the Gardenia blue colorant in the following proportions: (1) Propylene glycol alginate: 0.2 to 3% by mass (2) Carboxymethyl cellulose: 0.5 to 2% by mass (3) Soy polysaccharide: 5 to 20% by mass.

11. A method for inhibiting foaming of a coloring composition, the coloring composition being in the form of a solution containing components (A) and (B), the method comprising co-existing component (C) in the solution containing components (A) and (B), where components (A), (B), and (C) are as follows: (A): Gardenia blue colorant; (B): at least one selected from propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salts, and soy polysaccharide; and (C): at least one selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the coloring composition is an acidic sugar solution with a Brix of 20 to 80.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the coloring composition is a carbonated beverage.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein based on 30 color values of the Gardenia blue colorant, the coloring composition contains component (B) in the following proportions: (1) Propylene glycol alginate: 0.2 to 3% by mass; (2) Carboxymethyl cellulose: 0.5 to 2% by mass; (3) Soy polysaccharide: 5 to 20% by mass.

15. A method for preparing a coloring composition, the coloring composition being in the form of a solution containing components (A) and (B), the method being used to suppress foaming of the coloring composition, maintain the acid resistance of the coloring composition, and provide clarity to the coloring composition, the method comprising co-existing component (C) in a solution containing components (A) and (B), wherein components (A), (B) and (C) are as follows: (A): Gardenia blue coloring agent; (B): at least one selected from propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose salts; and (C): at least one selected from lecithin and medium-chain fatty acid oil.

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