Composition, consumable and methods

Abstract

Color compositions, color emulsions, and colored consumables, such as foods and beverages, that include the color emulsions, methods of making the color compositions, color emulsions, and consumables, and uses of the color compositions and color emulsions are also provided.

Description

[0001] COMPOSITION, CONSUMABLE AND METHODS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates to a color composition for a consumable, a method of making the color composition, a consumable containing the color composition, and a method of making a consumable containing the color composition.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6, is a synthetic food dye commonly used in food and beverage products to create orange-yellow coloring. This petroleum-derived colorant is found in many processed foods including candy, desserts, snacks, cereals, sodas, and some medications. Yellow 6 is one of the most widely used artificial food colorants in the United States and is approved by the FDA, though it requires certification for each batch to ensure safety standards. The dye works by absorbing certain wavelengths of light, reflecting back the yellow-orange color we see. While generally recognized as safe for most people, Yellow 6 has been associated with potential hypersensitivity reactions in some individuals, particularly those with aspirin sensitivities or asthma. Some studies have suggested possible links between synthetic food dyes like Yellow 6 and behavioral issues in children.

[0006] Therefore, it is of most importance to find natural alternatives to yellow 6 that are safe for human consumption while they provide the similar color and stability properties.

[0007] However, natural colors are known to have some drawbacks as they are often less stable that synthetic dyes or have other technical issues that makes difficult to apply them in end consumer products.

[0008] For example. Bixin (IUPAC name, 2E, 4E, 6E, 8E, 10E, 12E, 14E, 16Z, 18E)-20-methoxy-4, 8, 13, 17-tetramethyl-20-oxoicose-2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18-nonaenoic acid) is a natural coloring pigment found in the seeds of the Bixa orellana L (achiote tree) that grows in Latin America, India and East Africa. Bixin is formed into powders, pastes and emulsions for use as natural coloring agent for consumables such as beverages. Bixin is sometimes referred to as cis-bixin or ct-bixin. The bixin compound possesses yellow to red-orange colors. The seeds of Bixa orellana are typically ground into pastes or powders referred to as annatto of which bixin is the primarily constituent.

[0009] However, bixin emulsions are difficult to prepare as the pigment is not particularly soluble in oil and it is a solid which makes the initial dissolution into a liquid difficult to achieve. The use of higher temperatures to increase the oil-solubility of bixin during emulsion formation is not useful as the bixin pigment degrades (Liana Stoll, Marie-Noelle Maillard, Even Le Roux, Simone Hickmann Flores, Sonia Marli B Nachtiga II, et al.. Bixin, a performing natural antioxidant in active food packaging for the protection of oxidation sensitive food. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2023, 180, pp.114730. ffl0.1016 / j.lwt.2023.114730ff. ffhal-04234767). The use of more complex emulsion formation methods is less desirable as they involve pressure changes and the use of the solvents which must be later removed. These more complex emulsion formation method would also require the use of specialized equipment.

[0010] Therefore, there is still a need of a natural Yellow 6 substitute that provide the same color as Yellow 6, is stable and is easy to use in final beverage applications.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] According to a first illustrative embodiment, provided is a composition comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester.

[0013] According to a second illustrative embodiment, provided is a color emulsion comprising a discontinuous oil phase comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester, emulsified in a continuous water phase.

[0014] According to a third illustrative embodiment, provided is a consumable comprising a consumable base and a color emulsion comprising a discontinuous oil phase comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester, emulsified in a continuous water phase.

[0015] According to a fourth illustrative embodiment, provided is a method of solubilizing bixin comprising dissolving bixin in a fatty acid ester. According to a fifth illustrative embodiment, provided is a method for making a color emulsion comprising:

[0016] a) solubilizing bixin in a fatty acid ester to form an oil phase;

[0017] b) providing a water phase; and

[0018] c) emulsifying the oil phase in the water phase to form an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0019] According to a sixth illustrative embodiment, provided is a method for making a consumable comprising adding a color emulsion comprising a discontinuous oil phase comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester, emulsified in a continuous water phase to a consumable base.

[0020] According to a seventh illustrative embodiment, provided is a composition prepared by the method of solubilizing bixin in a fatty acid ester.

[0021] According to an eighth illustrative embodiment, provided is a color emulsion prepared by the method comprising a) solubilizing bixin in a fatty acid ester to form an oil phase;

[0022] b) providing a water phase; and c) emulsifying the oil phase in the water phase to form an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0023] According to a ninth illustrative embodiment, provided is a consumable prepared by the method comprising adding a color emulsion comprising a discontinuous oil phase comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester, emulsified in a continuous water phase, to a consumable base.

[0024] According to a tenth illustrative embodiment, disclosed is the use of a fatty acid ester to solubilize bixin in oil.

[0025] According to another embodiment, disclosed is a method to protect a bixin colorant from photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation comprising adding carotenoids to a bixin colorant or a composition comprising bixin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present disclosure. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0027] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variation are open-ended and are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion of elements, such that an article, apparatus, compound, composition, combination, method, or process that "comprises," "has," or "includes," or "contains" a recited list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, recited or written in the specification or claims. An element or feature proceeded by the language "comprises . . .a," "contains . . . a," "has . . . a," or "includes . . .a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence or inclusion of additional elements or features in the article, apparatus, compound, composition, combination, method, or process that comprises, contains, has, or includes the element or feature.

[0028] The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise or constrained by other language herein. An element orfeature proceeded by "a" or "an" may be interpreted as one of the recited element or feature, or more than one of the element or feature.

[0029] The terms "about," "approximately," "essentially," "substantially," any other version thereof, or any other similar relative term, or similar term of approximation, are defined as being close to as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. By way of non-limiting, illustrative embodiments, these terms are defined to be within 10% of recited value, or defined to be within 5% of a recited value, or defined to be within 4% of a recited value, or defined to be within 3% of a recited value, or defined to be within 2% of a recited value, or defined to be within 1% of a recited value, or defined to be within 0.5% of a recited value, or defined to be within 0.25% of a recited value, or defined to be within 0.1% of a recited value.

[0030] It should be understood that, when an amount in weight percent is described in the present disclosure, it is intended that any and every amount within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been expressly disclosed. For example, the disclosure of "a range of from about 1 to about 100" is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 100. It is to be understood that the inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that the inventors have possession of the entire range and all points within the range.

[0031] When a concentration is expressed as "ppm", the concentration is parts per million by weight based on the total weight of the color composition or consumable. It should be understood that when a range of values is described in the present disclosure, it is intended that any and every value within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been disclosed. For example, "a range of from 1 ppm to 1000 ppm" of a component of the color composition is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between 1 and 1000. It is to be understood that the inventors appreciate and understand that any and all values within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that the inventors have possession of the entire range and all the values within the range.

[0032] For the avoidance of doubt, alternative and optional features indicated for a given aspect, component, feature, or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all other alternative or optional features and the like as indicated for the same or other aspects, features and parameters of the invention. Disclosed is a composition comprising bixin and an ester. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the composition comprises bixin at least partially solubilized in an ester. According to other embodiments, the composition comprises bixin that is at least partially solubilized in a fatty acid ester. The composition comprising bixin solubilized in the fatty acid ester comprises oil phase useful for forming the disclosed color emulsion upon combining the oil phase containing the at least partially solubilized bixin with an aqueous phase.

[0033] The ester useful for solubilizing the bixin compound is an esterification reaction product of polyol and a carboxylic acid. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the ester useful for solubilizing the bixin compound is an esterification reaction product of a glycol and a carboxylic acid. According to other illustrative embodiments, the ester that is useful for solubilizing the bixin compound is an esterification reaction product of a glycol and a fatty acid. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the esterification reaction product useful for solubilizing the bixin compound is an ester comprising the reaction product of a mono-, di-, or tri-glycol and a fatty acid. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the mono-, di-, or tri- glycol used in the esterification reaction comprises an alkylene glycol. The esterification reaction product of the alkylene glycol and the fatty acid is referred to as an alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid. According to certain embodiments, the alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid is a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid. According to other embodiments, the alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid is a monopropylene glycol ester of a fatty acid.

[0034] According to certain illustrative embodiments, the esterification reaction may be total or partial. According to certain illustrative embodiments, less than 50% of the product is not esterified, such as less than 40%, such as less than 35%, such as less than 30%, such as less than 25%, such as less than 20%, such as less than 15%, such as less than 10%, such as less than 5%, such as less than 1%.

[0035] The fatty acid for the esterification reaction product is derived from an edible oil. The edible oil component of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion be selected from food grade oils. According to certain embodiments, the oil that is used in the oil phase to prepare the color emulsion may be selected from algal oils, insect oils, plant-derived oils and combinations. According to certain embodiments, the oil component of the oil phase comprises one or more plant-derived oils. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, suitable plant-derived oils that may be used to prepare oil phase of the color emulsion include almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, flaxseed oil, hazelnut oil, illipe oil, linseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, pecan oil, pumpkin seed oil, oat oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, MCT and mixtures thereof.

[0036] According to certain embodiments, the plant-derived oil used to prepare the esterification product is sunflower oil. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the useful sunflower oil comprising about 90 percent unsaturated fatty acids and about 10 percent saturated fatty acids. According to certain embodiments, the sunflower oil comprises the unsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid (C18:2) and oleic acid (C18:l) and the saturated fatty acids palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0). Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the sunflower oil may comprise about 69 percent linoleic acid, about 20 percent oleic acid, about 6 percent stearic acid and about 5 percent palmitic acid.

[0037] Without limitation, the oil may be included in the oil phase in an amount from greater than 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 1 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, about 5 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, about 10 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, about 15 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, about 20 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, about 25 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from greater than 0 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 5 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 10 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 15 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 20 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from greater than 0 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 1 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 5 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 10 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 15 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from greater than 0 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 1 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 5 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 10 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 1 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 5 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from greater than 0 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 1 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 2 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 3 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 4 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, or any other amount within the range of greater than 0 to about 30 weight percent.

[0038] The glycol may be included in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, or from about 1 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 5 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 10 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 15 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 20 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 25 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 30 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 35 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase used to prepare the color emulsion, or any other range within the range of about 0.5 weight percent to about 40 weight percent. The glycol may be an alkylene glycol. According to certain embodiments, the alkylene glycol comprises polypropylene glycol.

[0039] Bixin is included in the oil phase in an amount in the range of greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 1 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 2 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 3 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 4 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 5 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 6 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 7 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 8 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 9 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 1 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or about 2 to about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 4 to about 6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 2o to about 4 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or any other amount within the range of greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent.

[0040] According to certain embodiments, a bixin extract in powder, suspension, or solution form may be used to prepare the oil phase of the color emulsion. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, a suitable bixin extract used for preparing the oil phase of the color emulsion comprises a 90% purified bixin powder extracted from annatto seeds with a suitable food-grade extraction solvent. According to certain embodiments, the bixin compound that may be used in the color emulsion is classified by the European Food Safety Authority by E Number 160(b)(i) and referred to as annatto bixin, annatto, bixin, or bixin. In certain embodiments, the suitable bixin extract used for preparing the oil phase of the color emulsion comprises a any bixin powder extracted from annatto seeds that is food grade with any purity degrees such as an extract with at least 10% w / w bixin, such as at least 20% w / w, at least 30% w / w, at least 30% w / w, at least 40% w / w, at least 50% w / w, at least 60% w / w, at least 70% w / w, at least 80% w / w, at least 90% w / w bixin in the extract.

[0041] According to certain embodiments, bixin is obtained by extracting the seeds of Bixa orellana with hot vegetable oil. Alternatively, bixin may be extracted from the seeds of Bixa orellana with super-critical carbon dioxide at pressures and temperature sufficient to extract the bixin compound from the seeds without degrading the bixin. For example, the bixin compound may be extracted from the annatto seeds with super-critical carbon dioxide at a pressure of above 1100 psi and at a temperature in the range of about 40°C to about 55°C. Bixin pigment may also be obtained by extracting the seeds with a suitable extraction solvent followed by separation of the extraction solvent from the extracted bixin compound. For instance, the bixin pigment may be extracted from annatto seeds with a chloroforr ethanol extraction solvent (25:75 v / v ratio) and a seed:extraction solvent ratio of 1:4. Other suitable extraction solvents include polar solvent such as water, alcohols (for example, methanol, ethanol, propanol, n-butanol), and mixtures of alcohols and water, semi-polar extraction solvents such as acetone, dichloromethane and alkyl acetates (for example, ethyl acetate), and polar extraction solvents such as hexanes, heptanes, and ethers.

[0042] The oil phase further includes a suitable base to react with the glycol component to form a salt of the glycol present in the oil phase. The base is included in the oil phase in an amount sufficient to convert the glycol to its salt form, while maintaining the pH of the oil phase above 7. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the base is included in the oil phase in an amount from greater than 0 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 1 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 2 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 3 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 4 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 2 to about 4 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or from about 2 to about 3 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil phase, or any other amount in the range of greater than 0 to about 5 weight percent. Any base that is able to convert the glycol into its salt form and is generally regarded as safe for human consumption may be used. For example, any alkali metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide may be used as the base to convert the glycol into its salt form. Without limitation, the suitable base comprises an alkali metal hydroxide such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Other agents that are capable of hydrolysing the oil component of the oil phase or transesterifying an ester in the oil phase.

[0043] In certain embodiments the ingredients used to prepare the oil phase of the invention as described previously herein may be heated. The temperature of the different ingredients is from about 25°C to about 100°C, such as from 30°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 60°C to about 70°C. All ingredients of the oils phase may be at the same temperature or different temperatures may be used. In certain embodiments, the bixin is heated at a temperature of from about 25°C to about 100°C, such as from 30°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 60°C to about 70°C.

[0044] In certain preferred embodiments, the bixin is at a temperature of or from about 60°C to about 70°C.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the is glycol is heated at a temperature of from about 25°C to about 100°C, such as from 30°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 60°C to about 70°C. In certain preferred embodiments, the glycol is at a temperature of or from about 80°C to about 100°C.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the oils used to form the alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid is heated at a temperature of from about 25°C to about 100°C, such as from 30°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 60°C to about 70°C. In certain preferred embodiments, the oils used to form the alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid is at a temperature of or from about 80°C to about 100°C.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the glycol (such as a mono propylene glycol) and the base (such as potassium hydroxide or KOH) may be added together and the base (KOH) may be dissolved at a temperature of from from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C (such as 100°C) with stirring. Then, the solution is permitted to cool with the addition of the oil (such as sunflower oil and MCT oil) to 70°C. The mixture may be mixed for 10 minutes at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, such as about 70°C until the formation of one phase. The bixin may be added to the mixture at the end and mixed until dissolved. According to other embodiments, disclosed is a color emulsion comprising a discontinuous oil phase comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester, emulsified in a continuous water phase.

[0048] The water phase used to prepare the color emulsion includes in water in an amount from greater than 0 weight percent to about 99 weight percent, or from about 5 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 10 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 20 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 30 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 40 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 50 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 60 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 70 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 80 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or from about 80 weight percent, to about 90 weight percent, or from about 10 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 30 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 40 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 50 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 60 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 70 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 30 weight percent or about 70 weight percent, or from about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, or from about 50 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, or from about 60 weight percent to about 70 weight percent..

[0049] A suitable amount of at least one emulsifier is included in the water phase to be mixed with the oil phase with the combination to emulsify the oil and to create an oil-in-water color emulsion. For purposes of this disclosure, an emulsifier may be any substance that includes a hydrophilic ( / .e., at least partially water soluble) portion and a hydrophobic ( / .e., lipophilic) portion, and is capable of lowering or otherwise reducing the surface tension between the normally immiscible oil and water to create the oil-in-water color emulsion. Any emulsifier that is generally regarded as safe for inclusion in an edible food product that is intended for human or pet consumption, and that is capable of emulsifying the oil to create the emulsion, may be used as an emulsifier for preparing the color emulsion. The emulsifier may be added to the water phase in an amount from greater than 0 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion. According to other illustrative embodiments, the emulsifier may be added to the water phase in an amount from about 1 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 5 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 10 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, orfrom about 15 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 20 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 25 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, orfrom about 30 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 35 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 1 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 5 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, orfrom about 10 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 15 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, orfrom about 20 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, orfrom about 30 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 1 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 5 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 10 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 15 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 20 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 25 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 5 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 10 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 15 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 20 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 1 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 5 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 10 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 15 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 1 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 5 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 10 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 1 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 5 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 1 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 2 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 3 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from about 4 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or any other amount within the range of greater than 0 to about 40 weight percent.

[0050] The emulsifiers may be anionic emulsifiers, cationic emulsifiers, non-ionic emulsifiers and amphoteric emulsifiers. According to certain embodiments, and without limitation, the emulsifiers having an HLB value of less than 12 may be used to prepare the color emulsion. According to certain embodiments, the emulsifier has an HLB value in the range of about 8 to less than 12, from 8 to 10, from 8 to 9, from 9 to less than 12, from 10 to less than 12, from 11 to less than 12, from 9 to 10, from 8 to 11.9, 8 to 11.8, 8 to 11.7, 8 to 11.6, from 8 to 11. 5, from 8 to 11. 4, from 8 to 11. 3, from 8 to 11.2, from 8 to 11.1, from 8 to 11.0, from 9 to 11.9, from 9 to 11.8, from 9 to 11.7, from 9 to 11.6, from 9 to 11.5, from 9 to 11.4, from 9 to 11.3, from 9 to 11.2, from 9 to 11.1, from 9 to 11.0, from 10 to 11.9, from 10 to 11.8, from 10 to 11.7, from 10 to 11.6, from 10 to 11.5, from 10 to 11.4, from 10 to 11.3, from 10 to 11.2, from 10 to 11.1, or from 10 to 11.0. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, suitable emulsifiers include celluloses, monoglycerides, diglycerides, acylated monoglycerides, lactylated monoglycerides succinylated monoglycerides, alkoxylated monoglycerides (such as ethoxylated monoglycerides), alkoxylated diglycerides (such as ethoxylated diglycerides), esters of monoglycerides (such as diacetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides), lecithins, succinic acid modified starches, gums, Quillaya saponins, magnesium stearate, calcium, potassium and sodium salts of fatty acids, polysorbates, alkali metal stearoyl lactylate (such as sodium stearoyl lactylate), sugar esters, alkaline earth metal stearoyl lactylate (such as calcium stearoyl lactylate), sodium phosphates, proteins, and mixtures thereof.

[0051] According to certain embodiments, the emulsifier included in the water phase of the color emulsion comprises at least one gum. Without limitation, gums of the water phase of the color emulsion may be selected from gellan gum, guar gum, tara gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum and gum arabic, gum ghatti, agarose, agar-agar, alginate, konjac, pectin, carrageenan, cellulose derivatives such carboxymethylcellulose and combinations thereof.

[0052] In certain embodiments the ingredients used to prepare the water phase of the invention as described previously herein may be heated. The temperature of the different ingredients is from about 25°C to about 100°C, such as from 30°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 60°C to about 70°C. All ingredients of the water phase may be at the same temperature or different temperatures may be used.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the water phase will all the ingredients herein is heated at a temperature of from about 25°C to about 100°C, such as from 30°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 60°C to about 70°C.

[0054] The at least one fat and food grade aqueous liquid, medium, or solvent, such as water, are combined to form emulsion created by suitable dispersing or homogenizing equipment. Without limitation, suitable homogenizing equipment includes rotor-stator homogenizers, bead mill homogenizers, ultrasonic homogenizers, high pressure homogenizers, and the like.

[0055] Organic acids may be used as a preservative for the color emulsion by increasing the oxidative stability of the emulsion. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the acid used to prepare the color composition, may be selected from acetic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, butyric acid, citric acid, erythorbic acid, fumaric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, salts of the organic acids, and mixtures thereof. The organic acid may be added to the water phase in an amount from greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion. According to certain embodiments, organic acid may be included to the water phase in an amount from about 1 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 2 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 4 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 6 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 8 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount of greater than 0 to about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 1 to about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 2 to about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 4 to about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 6 to about 8 weight percent, or in an amount of greater than 0 to about 6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount of about 1 to about 6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount of about 2 to about 6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount of about 4 to about 6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from greater than 0 to about 4 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 1 to about 4 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 2 to about 4 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or in an amount from about 3 to about 4 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or any other amount within the range of greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent.

[0056] A further additive may be included in the color emulsion, in addition to the at least one organic acid, to improve the microstability preservation of the color emulsion. Without limitation, the further additive useful for increasing the microstability preservation of the color emulsion may comprise potassium sorbate. The potassium sorbate may be added to the water phase in an amount from greater than Oto about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion. According to certain embodiments, the potassium sorbate may be included in the water phase in an amount from greater than 0.01 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.02 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.03 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.04 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.05 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.06 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.07 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.08 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.09 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.1 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.11 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.12 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.13 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.14 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.15 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.16 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.17 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.18 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or from greater than 0.19 to about 0.2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the water phase of the color emulsion, or any other amount in the range of greater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the coloremulsion orthe liquid composition according to the present invention, may further comprise a MCT which is incorporated into the liquid composition or the color emulsion. MCT may be optionally added to provide a more turbid emulsion.

[0058] Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) may be included in the color emulsion in the oil phase and / or in the water phase. According to certain embodiments, the MCTs may be added to the oil phase which is then combined with the aqueous phase under emulsification conditions to prepare the color emulsion. The MCTs may be combined with the polyol and the fatty acid to form the fatty ester in the oil phase into which at least partially solublized bixin pigment. According to other embodiments, the MCTs may be added before, while or after the color emulsion is prepared. The amount of the medium chain triglycerides that are added to the oil phase or to the color emulsion is sufficient to further improve the stability of the color emulsion. According to certain embodiments, the amount of medium chain triglycerides is from about 0.5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion, the amount of medium chain triglycerides is from about 1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion the amount of medium chain triglycerides is from about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion the amount of medium chain triglycerides is from about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion the amount of medium chain triglycerides is from about 15 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion the amount of medium chain triglycerides is from about 20 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion the amount of medium chain triglycerides is from about 25 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion, about 0.5 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion, about 0.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion, about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-watercolor emulsion, about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion, about 0.5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion, about 0.5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the oil-in-water color emulsion, or any other amount in the range of about 0.5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent.

[0059] The inventors have surprisingly observed that adding antioxidants such as carotenoids, Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), phenolic diterpenes (such as carnosic acid and / or carnosol), tocopherols further protect the color emulsion from photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation. According to further alternative embodiments, an antioxidant agent may be included in the color emulsion or the liquid composition as described herein to further protect the color emulsion from photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation. Without limitation, suitable antioxidant agents to be added to the color emulsion include carotenoids, Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), phenolic diterpenes (such as carnosic acid and / or carnosol), tocopherols, and mixtures thereof. Accordingto certain embodiments, carotenoids may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.1 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, orfrom about 0.2 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, orfrom about 0.3 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, orfrom about 0.4 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, orfrom about 0.6 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, orfrom about 0.7 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.9 weight percent to 1 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, the Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than Oto about 0.25 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.20 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to 0.10 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to 0.05 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, the tocopherols may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 0.5 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.40 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent, from greater than 0 to about 0.30 weight percent, or greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.20 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.10 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, the emulsion includes from greater than 0 to about 0.5 weight percent of tocopherols and from greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc),. According to certain embodiments, the emulsion includes from greater than Oto about 1 weight percent carotenoids, from greaterthan Oto about 0.5 weight percent of tocopherols, and from greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc).

[0060] As used herein, the term "carotenoid" may refer to organic pigments found in photosynthetic organisms and some non-photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, and animals.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the carotenoid may be selected from (i) pure hydrocarbons called carotenes, including but not limited to compounds such as 0-carotene, a-carotene, y-carotene or lycopene, (ii) molecules called xanthophylls, which contain oxygen in various forms (hydroxyl groups, epoxy groups, etc.), including but not limited to astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, capsanthin, cantaxanthin, lutein, etc, and (iii) molecules called apocarotenoid such norbixin and any mixture thereof. Carotenoids used in the present invention exclude bixin.

[0062] In a particular case, the carotenoid composition of the invention can be mixed with an oil forming an oily solution of the carotenoid composition so that the final carotenoid content is equal or superior to 30% w / w. In a preferred embodiment, the final carotenoid content in the oily solution is at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70% or at least 75% (w / w).

[0063] This oily solution of carotenoid could be optionally emulsified as oil-in-water emulsion containing between land 20% of oil (preferably olive oil, sunflower oil, oil comprising medium chain triglycerides, or mix of them). In a particular embodiment, the final concentration of carotenoids in the oil-in-water emulsion is between 0.1 to 10%, more preferably 0.5 to 8%.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the carotenoids may be obtained or obtainable from a plant, a photosynthetic bacterium, fungi and / or algae.

[0065] As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, as used herein the term "obtainable from" means that the carotenoids may be obtained from a plant / algae / animal / prokaryote directly or may be isolated from the plant, a photosynthetic bacterium, fungi and / or algae, or may be obtained from an alternative source, for example by chemical synthesis or enzymatic production. Whereas the term "obtained" as used herein, means that the extract is directly derived from the plant, a photosynthetic bacterium, fungi and / or algae source.

[0066] Any carotenoids from any sources known in the art can be used in the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the carotenoid is food grade.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the carotenoid is a 0-carotene.

[0068] In another preferred embodiment, the carotenoid is Lycopene.

[0069] Any beta carotene from any sources known in the art can be used in the present invention, including but not limited to carrots, sweet potato, red peppers, algae such as Dunaliella salina, etc. As used herein, the term "Lamiaceae extract" may refer to an extract from a plant of the Lamiaceae family (Lamiaceae material), such as rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, mints, and the following genera: Salvia (such as Salvia Apiana and Salvia officinalis), Rosmarinus (such as Rosmarinus officinalis ), Lepechinia, Oreganum, Thymus (such as Thymus vulgaris), Hyssopus and mixtures thereof.

[0070] The Lamiaceae material used for extracting the Lamiaceae extract can be any part of the plant such as leaves, roots, etc. The Lamiaceae material may be processed before extraction, for example it can be washed, dried, milled or grounded, etc. Particular solvents that may be used in the extraction process include water, alcohols (such as methanol, ethanol), acetone, ethyl acetate, hexane, dichloromethane, and any mixtures thereof, such as alcohol / water mixtures (such as mixtures of methanol and water). For example, the extraction solvents can be water, a water-alcohol mixture (from about 1 % to about 99% alcohol in water. For example, from about 30% to about 75% alcohol in water, or from about 30% to about 50% alcohol in water, such as from about 35% or from about 40% alcohol in water), or alcohol. Particular alcohols that may be mentioned include ethanol (EtOH) and methanol (MeOH).

[0071] In particular embodiments, the extraction solvent may be a methanol-water mix, such as from about 30% to about 90% methanol in water, or from about 30% to about 50% methanol in water. For example, from about 50% or from about 80% ethanol in water. In a preferred embodiment the extraction solvent is ethanol-water mix with about 75% methanol and about 25% water.

[0072] The term "acetone extract" as used herein, refers to the extract obtained from any member of the Lamiaceae family (such as rosemary, salvia etc) when the extraction from the plant (particularly, leaves) has been performed using acetone as the only solvent.

[0073] The term "alcohol extract" as used herein, refers to the extract obtained from Lamiaceae when the extraction from the plant (particularly, leaves) has been performed using alcohol as the only solvent. For example, 100% methanol and / or 100% ethanol. The term "hydroalcoholic extract' as used herein, refers to the extract obtained from Lamiaceae (such as rosemary, salvia etc) when the extraction from the plant has been performed using a mixture of water and alcohol. For ex-ample, from about 1 % to about 99% alcohol (e.g. ethanol, methanol) in water, such an extract would be termed a hydro-ethanolic extract.

[0074] A detailed procedure to prepare a Rosemary extract was described in the US Patent No. 5,859,293 (PCT W096 / 34534), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirely. For example, processes for extraction and isolation of extracts of the invention may comprise (or consist essentially / consist of) the following steps:

[0075] (i) extraction of Lamiaceae leaves (such as rosemary and / or salvia which may be ground) by a suitable solvent (such as acetone or ethanol);

[0076] (ii) evaporation of the solvent; and, if required

[0077] (iii) purification of the extract (e.g. by chromatography).

[0078] In certain embodiments, the temperature of extraction is in a range of from about 20 °C to about 100 °C. In a particular embodiment, the temperature for extraction is in a range of from about 50 °C to about 70 °C. Typically, the ratio of plant material to solvent mixture used in the extraction process varies from about 1 : 1 to about 1 :10 on a gram to milliliter basis, such as from about 1 :3 to about 1 :8. The incubation period (i.e. the period during which the plant material is in con-tact with the solvent) is typically from about 2 hours to about 24 hours.

[0079] Mechanical energy can be applied during the extraction process. Applying mechanical energy helps to homogenize the mixture, changes the physical structure of the starting biological material and increases the extraction yields of phenolic diterpenes. The amount of mechanical energy applied in the method depends on at which step applied, the type of Lamiaceae material, the amount of the starting material used in the mixture, the pH of the mixture, and the temperature of the mixture. The amount of mechanical energy also can influence the amount of time needed to complete the extraction of the

[0080] For example, the Lamiaceae material (such as rosemary and / or salvia) and the extraction solution (such as acetone or ethanol) may be mixed using techniques known in the art, for example using stirring, maceration, percolation or infusion, such as magnetic or mechanical stirring. Stirring may be conducted at any suitable revolution per minute (rpm), for example, the stirring may be done from about 1 rpm or about 10 rpm or about 50 rpm to about 500 rpm. For mechanical stirring this may typically be done from about 1 rpm to 500 rpm, such as from about 10 rpm to about 200 rpm. Devices for applying mechanical energy can be a pump, a refiner, a homogenizer, an extruder, a lobe pump, and / or a centrifugal pump. The mixture can be circulated in a closed-loop system that includes a pressure vessel (able to contain a heated solvent mixture), a reflux vessel, a heat exchanger, such as a shell and tube heat exchanger, and a pump for recirculating the heated mixture back to the vessel, allowing multiple passes through the pump in the system.

[0081] After the Lamiaceae material (such as rosemary and / or salvia leaves) and solvent have been incubated, the solvent is separated from residual Lamiaceae material by any suitable separation technique known in the art (like for example filtration).

[0082] Further filtration steps can be used. The solvent may be partially or totally removed by any method known in the art such as centrifugation, Rota vap, and any device allowing solvent evaporation or a liquid-liquid way of replacing the solvent.

[0083] Further filtration steps can be used. For example, in a preferred embodiment, aqueous sodium carbonate (NazCOs) may be added to dissolve carnosic acid and other organic acids, while base insoluble substances are precipitated out. The solution may be filtered to separate from solid, and the filtrate can be further concentrated under reduced pressure. In a further step, after finishing concentration is achieved, phosphoric acid (H3PO4) may added and the acid insoluble substances (including carnosic acid, carnosol, and carnosic derivatives) are precipitated from the concentrated solution. Additionally, the result may be filtered and the solid precipitate may be subsequently separated from liquid and rinsed with water to remove impurities. Sterilisation methods can be applied at any step of extraction.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the Lamiaceae extract is enriched in phenolic diterpenes.

[0085] As used herein, the term "Phenolic diterpenes" may refer to carnosic acid, carnosol, methylcarnosate, and other phenolic diterpene derivatives (rosmanol, isorosmanol, 11 , 12 -di-O- methyl-isorosmanol, 12-O-methylcarnosic acid, rosmanol-9-ethyl ether, circimaritin, Methylated mono oxidized product of carnosic acid, genkwanin, epirosmanol, epiisorosmanol, carnosic acid derivative, epirosmanol ethyl ether, cryptotanshinone) and mixtures thereof.

[0086] In certain preferred embodiments, the Lamiaceae extract (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc) comprises at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99 wt. % of one or more phenolic diterpenes such as the ones described before. In a preferred embodiment, the Lamiaceae extract(s) of the composition of the invention comprises carnosic acid and / or carnosol.

[0087] In certain embodiments the antioxidants are prepared as an antioxidant containing phase that is incorporated in the emulsion in the invention. The carotenoids and / or the other antioxidants may be previously dissolved in an oil. The antioxidant containing phase (such as a carotenoid containing phase) as described previously herein may be heated to provide a better dissolution of the antioxidants. In certain embodiments, the antioxidant containing phase (such as a carotenoid containing phase) is heated at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 200°C, from about 60°C to about 190°C, from about 70°C to about 180°C, from about 80°C to about 160°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, or from about 140°C to about 160°C.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the antioxidants are added in any step of the formation of the emulsion of the invention.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the color emulsion or the liquid composition according to the invention may further comprises a weighting agent.

[0090] Suitable weighting agents include any of those weighting agents known in the art for use in beverage compositions. Examples of suitable weighting agents include, but are not limited to sucrose esters, such as saccharose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), polyol fatty acid esters, polyol benzoates, dammar gum, rosin gums, ester gums, and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, the weighting agent is selected from sucrose esters, such as saccharose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), polyol fatty acid esters, polyol benzoates, dammar gum, rosin gums, ester gums and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the weighting agent is ester gum.

[0091] According to certain embodiments, the weighting agent may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, the weighting agent, (such as ester gum) may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, or from about 0.8 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, or from about 1 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, or from about 1.5 weight percent to about 2.5 weight percent.

[0092] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that the color compositions of the invention have a color that match the artificial color Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6 (see figure 2), being thus a natural alternative to said artificial color having optimal stability properties to be used in beverages.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the color emulsion or the liquid composition according to the present invention is characterized by providing a yellow-orange color, specially wherein the color is essentially same as Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the color emulsion or the composition of the invention has a hue angle between 68 to 76, such as about 70 to 74 such as about 72 to 73. (See for example the colour wheel from X-rite (manufacturer of L*a*b* machines ) https: / / www.xrite.com / blog / lab-color-space" \t "_blank

[0095] The hue angle of about 72 to 73 is yellow-orange.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the color emulsion or the liquid composition according to the present invention has a color that is stable to photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation.

[0097] A color that is stable to photooxidation in the present invention means that the color provided by the color emulsion or the liquid composition according to the present invention does not essentially changes after exposure to photooxidation or there is a change that is less than 10% of the color, such as less than 9 %, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less than 1% change of the color before and after exposure to photooxidation.

[0098] Being stable to heat-induced oxidation in the present invention means that the color provided by the color emulsion or the liquid composition according to the present invention does not essentially changes after exposure to heat or there is a change that is less than 10% of the color, such as less than 9 %, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less than 1% change of the color before and after exposure to heat.

[0099] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a method for preparing a composition comprising bixin. The method comprises a) solubilizing bixin in a fatty acid ester to form an oil phase; b) providing a water phase; and c) emulsifying the oil phase in the water phase to form an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the fatty acid ester is a glycol ester of a fatty acid.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the glycol ester of a fatty acid comprises an alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the alkylene ester of a fatty acid is mono propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the fatty acid is derived from an edible oil.

[0104] In certain embodiments, the edible oil is selected from the group consisting of almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, flaxseed oil, hazelnut oil, illipe oil, linseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, pecan oil, pumpkin seed oil, oat oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, and mixtures thereof. Especially sunflower oil.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises a base selected from alkali metal hydroxides.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the base reacts with the alkylene glycol to form a salt of the alkylene glycol.

[0107] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises adding in step a), b) and / or c) an antioxidant agent to further protect the color emulsion from photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation.

[0108] Without limitation, suitable antioxidant agents to be added to the color emulsion include carotenoids, Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), phenolic diterpenes (such as carnosic acid and / or carnosol), tocopherols, and mixtures thereof. One or more carotenoids may be used in the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the antioxidant agent may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, carotenoids may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than Oto about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.1 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.2 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.3 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.4 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.6 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.7 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.9 weight percent to 1 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, the Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.20 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to 0.10 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to 0.05 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, the tocopherols may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greaterthan 0 to about 0.5 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.40 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent, from greater than 0 to about 0.30 weight percent, or greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.20 weight percent, or from greater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent, or from greaterthan 0 to about 0.10 weight percent, or from greaterthan Oto about 0.05 weight percent. According to certain embodiments, the emulsion includes from greater than 0 to about 0.5 weight percent of tocopherols and from greaterthan Oto about 0.25 weight percent Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc). According to certain embodiments, the emulsion includes from greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent carotenoids, from greaterthan Oto about 0.5 weight percent of tocopherols, and from greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc). In certain preferred embodiments, the antioxidant agent is selected from carotenoids, Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), tocopherols, and mixtures thereof.

[0109] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises adding in step a), b) and / or c) a weighting agent. Suitable weighting agents include any of those weighting agents known in the art for use in beverage compositions. Examples of suitable weighting agents include, but are not limited to sucrose esters, such as saccharose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), polyol fatty acid esters, polyol benzoates, dammar gum, rosin gums, ester gums, and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, the weighting agent is selected from sucrose esters, such as saccharose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), polyol fatty acid esters, polyol benzoates, dammar gum, rosin gums, ester gums and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the weighting agent is ester gum.

[0110] According to certain embodiments, the weighting agent may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent.

[0111] According to certain embodiments, the weighting agent, (such as ester gum) may be included in the color emulsion in an amount from greater than 0 to about 10 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, or from about 0.5 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, or from about 0.8 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, or from about 1 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, or from about 1.5 weight percent to about 2.5 weight percent.

[0112] The different embodiments described for the emulsion of the invention also apply to the method for making a color emulsion of the invention.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the oil phase to the water phase is at a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:1000.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the method of making the color emulsion according to the invention, further comprising adding MCT in the oil phase and / or in the resulting emulsion. In certain embodiments, the MCTs are added from about 0.5 % to about 40 % w / w.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, a glycol and a base, such as an alkali metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide are combined together and the hydroxide is dissolved in the glycol at a temperature in the range of about 70 to about 120°C with agitation or stirring. The solution of the hydroxide dissolved in the glycol is permitted to cool to a temperature of about 70°C with the addition of a suitable oil. The addition of the oil to the glycol solution results in the formation of mixture of glycol esters of oil fatty acids and oil mono, di, and triglycerides. The solutions is permitted to mix for another 1 to 30 minutes at 70°C. A suitable amount of bixin pigment solids is added to the cooled solution and is solubilized in the glycol ester of the oil fatty acids.

[0116] To prepare the color emulsion the oil phase is added to the water phase at a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:1000. According to certain embodiments, the oil phase is added to the water phase at a ratio of about 1:950, or 1:900, or 1:850, or 1:800, or 1:750, or 1:700, or 1:650, or 1:600, or 1:550, or 1:500, or 1:500, or 1:1 or 1:450, or 1:400, or 1:350, or 1:300, or 1:250, or 1:200, or 1:150, or 1:100, or 1:95, or 1:90, or 1:85, or 1:80, 1:75, or 1:70, 1:65, or 1:60, 1:55, 1:50, or 1:45, or 1:40, or 1:35, or 1:30, or 1:25, or 1:20, or 1:15, or 1:10, or 1:5, or 1:4, or 1:3, or 1:2, or at any other ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1000.

[0117] The color emulsion is subjected to a homogenizing step for the purpose of reducing the emulsion droplet / particle size and increasing the stability of the emulsion. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the homogenizing speed for forming the oil-in-water color emulsion is from about 5000 RPM to about 10,000 RPM, or from about 6,000 RPM to about 10,000 RPM, or from about 7,000 RPM to about 10,000 RPM, or from about 8,000 RPM to about 10,000 RPM, or from about 9,000 RPM to about 10,000 RPM, or from about 6,000 RPM to about 9,000 RPM, or from about 7,000 RPM to about 9,000 RPM, or from about 5,000 RPM to about 8,000 RPM, or from about 5,000 RPM to about 7,000 RPM, or any other homogenizing speed in the range of about 5,000 RPM to about 10,000 RPM.

[0118] The color emulsion is homogenized for a period of time sufficient to reduce the emulsion particle size thereby increasing the stability of the color emulsion, without degrading the bixin pigment. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the time period for homogenizing the color emulsion is from about 20 seconds to about 1 hour.

[0119] The temperature of the emulsion homogenizing step is from about 25°C to about 100°C, such as from 30°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 60°C to about 70°C.

[0120] In certain embodiments, the average emulsion particle size is from about 280 to about 300 nm.

[0121] The inventors have surprisingly observed that adding carotenoids alone or together with Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), phenolic diterpene (such as carnosic acid and / or carnosol), tocopherols and mixtures thereof, further protect the color of bixin from photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation.

[0122] Therefore, the invention is directed to a method to protect a bixin colorant from photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation comprising adding carotenoids to a bixin colorant or a composition comprising bixin. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises further adding Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), phenolic diterpenes (such as carnosic acid and / or carnosol), tocopherols and mixtures thereof.

[0123] Carotenoids, Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), phenolic diterpenes (such as carnosic acid and / or carnosol), tocopherols were described previously.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the carotenoid is beta-carotene.

[0125] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that the color compositions of the invention have a color that match the artificial color Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6 (see figure 2), being thus a natural alternative to said artificial color that has optimal stability properties to be used in beverages.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the color emulsion or the composition of the invention has a hue angle between 68 to 76, such as about 70 to 74 such as about 72 to 73.

[0127] The hue angle of about 72 to 73 is yellow-orange.

[0128] Color Evaluation. Add ca. 1.0g of product into a 25 mL volumetric flask and dilute using deionised water. Take 1 mL of the aqueous dilution and dilute it into 100 mL acetone using a volumetric flask. Measure the absorbance of the acetone dilution using a spectrophotometer between the ranges 350-800nm. The extinction is calculated using the formula Absorbance @ max) (maximum absorbance) X 25 / weight of sample used.

[0129] The color emulsions and the food products of the present disclosure can be analyzed with a spectrophotometer, and CIELAB L*a*b* values can be calculated from the spectral data, as described in greater detail below. The L*a*b* values provide a means of representing colour characteristics and assessing the magnitude of difference between two colours. The L*a*b* values also provide a means of representing colour characteristics and assessing the magnitude of difference between two colours not only of solutions, but also of products. Measurements of colour compositions and products in solid form are accomplished using reflectance measurements from the surface of the product.

[0130] For example, L*a*b* values consist of a set of coordinate values defined in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. L* is the lightness coordinate and provides a scale of lightness from black (0 L* units) to white (100 L* units) on a vertical axis, a* and b* are coordinates related to both hue and chroma, a* provides a scale for greenness (- a* units) to redness (+ a* units), with neutral at the center point (0 a* units), on a horizontal axis; b* provides a scale for blueness (- b* units) to yellowness (+ b* units), with neutral at the center point (0 b* units), on a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. The three axes cross where L* has a value of 50 and a* and b* are both zero.

[0131] AE is a measure of the magnitude of total colour difference between two colours represented in CIELAB L*a*b* colour space. It has been reported that an experienced colour observer cannot distinguish any difference between two colours when the AE is about 2.3 or less. The AE of two different colours with L*a*b* values, L*ia*ib*i and L*2a*zb*2, is calculated using Equation 1:

[0132] A

[0133]

[0134] Ea>* — .—. i‘2? . + . (Xi .—0*2)^ + . (b*i — . K*2p Equation 1

[0135] The L*a*b* evaluation was done using a Hunterlab colorflex EZ and EasyMatch software. Dilutions of samples were made using a 6% glucose solution, preserved using 1000 ppm of potassium sorbate and citric / ascorbic acid to pH 3.00. The sample was tested using the colorflex EZ in a transmission mode. Changes in the shade were quantified using the EasyMatch software.

[0136] Emulsion droplet / particle size determination.

[0137] The emulsion particle size was measured using a mastersizer 3000 equipped with a dispersion unit (hydro EV) and mastersizer 3000 software. A 100 mL 0.1% dilution of the sample was made in deionised water, drops of the diluted sample were dispersed in to 1000 mL of water in the hydro EV unit until the obscuration was 1-2%. Particle sizes of the droplets were determined using the mastersizer software.

[0138] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a consumable comprising a consumable base and a color emulsion. The color emulsion included in the consumable comprises an oil phase comprising bixin and an ester, a water phase and an emulsifier.

[0139] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a color emulsion prepared using the method of the invention.

[0140] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a consumable composition comprising a consumable base and the color composition or emulsion as described herein.

[0141] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a consumable composition a color composition or emulsion as described herein.

[0142] According to the present disclosure, the term "consumable" refers to products for consumption by a subject, typically via the oral cavity (although consumption may occur via non-oral means such as inhalation), for at least one of the purposes of enjoyment, nourishment, or health and wellness benefits. Consumables may be present in any form including, but not limited to, liquids, solids, semi-solids, tablets, capsules, lozenges, strips, powders, gels, gums, pastes, slurries, syrups, aerosols and sprays. The term also refers to, for example, dietary and nutritional supplements. Consumables include compositions that are placed within the oral cavity for a period of time before being discarded but not swallowed. It may be placed in the mouth before being consumed, or it may be held in the mouth for a period of time before being discarded.

[0143] Broadly, consumables include, but are not limited to, foodstuffs of all kinds, confectionery products, baked products, sweet products, savoury products, fermented products, dairy products, plant based non-dairy products, beverages, meat and fish analogues, oral care products, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

[0144] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a method of making a consumable composition comprising adding the color emulsion as described herein to a consumable base.

[0145] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a method of making a consumable composition comprising adding the color emulsion of anyone of as described herein to a consumable base.

[0146] In certain embodiments, color of the consumable is stable to photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation. In certain embodiments, the color is a yellow-orange color, specially wherein the coloris essentially the same as Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6.

[0147] According to other embodiments, disclosed is the use of the color emulsion as described herein to impart a color to a consumable.

[0148] According to other embodiments, disclosed is the use of the color emulsion as described herein, wherein the consumable is a beverage and the consumable base is a beverage base.

[0149] Use of the color emulsion prepared by the method as described herein to impart color to a consumable.

[0150] Use of the color emulsion as described herein, wherein the consumable is a beverage and the consumable base is a beverage base.

[0151] According to other embodiments, disclosed is a method for making a consumable comprising a consumable base and a color emulsion comprising bixin. The method of making the consumable comprises mixing the consumable base with the color emulsion comprising an oil phase comprising bixin under conditions sufficient to impart color the consumable base. In certain embodiments, the consumable is a beverage and the consumable base is a beverage base.

[0152] In certain embodiments, the beverage comprising the color emulsion or the composition of the invention has a hue angle between 68 to 76, such as about 70 to 74 such as about 72 to 73.

[0153] The hue angle of about 72 to 73 is yellow-orange.

[0154] The "beverage base" as used herein means a combination of the normal ingredients used to prepare a beverage, apart from the color composition. These are standard ingredients used in art-recognized quantities, and include water, carbonated water, sugars, artificial / synthetic sweeteners, natural sweeteners, artificial / synthetic flavors, natural flavors, surfactants, and suspending agents, thickeners, rheology modifiers, dyes, coloring agents, stabilizers, and preservatives. The beverage base may comprise carbonated water, flavor, sweetener, and all other ingredients desired or necessary for a complete carbonated beverage, apart from the color composition.

[0155] The beverage composition includes at least one flavor. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, suitable flavors include, a cola flavorant, a tea flavorant, a flavorant, a coffee flavorant, a citrus flavorant (e.g. a lemon flavorant, a lime flavorant, an orange flavorant, a grapefruit flavorant, a mandarin orange flavorant, a tangerine flavorant, or a combination of any of the foregoing), an herbal flavorant, a berry flavoring (e.g., a flavorant derived from one or more of Barbados cherry, bearberry, blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, cherry, choke cherry, cloudberry, cranberry, current, date, dewberry, elderberry, grape, gooseberry, huckleberry, loganberry, olal lieberry, mulberry, raisin, plains berry, prairie berry, raspberry, saskatoon berry, salmonberry, seabuckthorn berry, sloe berry, strawberry, thimbleberry, thornberry, wineberry, whortleberry, ora combination of any of the foregoing), a botanical flavorant (e.g. one or more flavors derived from a part of a plant other than the fruit, including flavors derived from essential oils and extracts of nuts, bark, roots and leaves along with synthetically prepared flavors made to simulate botanical flavors derived from natural sources), and mixtures thereof.

[0156] The carbonated beverages may comprise full sugar, reduced sugar, or zero sugar added carbonated beverages. The full sugar or reduced sugar beverages may include at least one nutritive sweetener. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, suitable nutritive sweeteners include sucrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, isomaltulose, inositol, allulose, tagalose, trehalose, and combinations thereof.

[0157] Reduced sugar and zero sugar carbonated beverages of the present disclosure include at least one non-nutritive sweetener that either partially (reduced sugar beverages) or wholly (zero sugar beverages) replaces the nutritive sweetener in the carbonated beverage composition.

[0158] According to certain illustrative embodiments, the non-nutritive sweeteners that may be used in the reduced sugar and / or zero sugar carbonated beverages are selected from natural non-nutritive sweeteners, synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners, and combinations thereof.

[0159] Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, suitable synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners that may be included in the reduced sugar or zero sugar carbonated beverages maybe selected from acesulfame K, advantame, aspartame, cyclamate, neotame, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, saccharin, sucrolose and combinations thereof.

[0160] Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, suitable natural non-nutritive sweeteners include steviol glycosides selected from stevioside, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E, rebaudioside F, rebaudioside G, rebaudioside H, rebaudioside I, rebaudioside J, rebaudioside K, rebaudioside L, rebaudioside M, rebaudioside N, rebaudioside O, dulcoside A, dulcoside B, rubusoside, and combinations thereof, mogrol glycosides selected from mogroside I, mogroside II, mogroside III, mogroside IV, mogroside V, isomogroside V, 11-oxomogroside, siamenoside I and combinations thereof, naringin dihydrochalcone, Luo Han Guo Extract, Swingle Extract, brazzein, cellobiose, glycyrrhizic acid, monatin, psicose, stevioside, thaumatin, trilobatin, and combinations thereof.

[0161] Carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the water of the beverage base to provide a desired level of carbonation to create a carbonated beverage. Any of the methods and carbonating equipment for known in the art for carbonating beverages may be used. According to certain illustrative embodiments, by way of example, and not in limitation, the beverage may have a carbon dioxide level in the range of about 0.5 to about 5 volumes of carbon dioxide. According to other embodiments, the beverage may have a carbon dioxide level of up to about 1 volume of carbon dioxide, or up to about 2 volumes of carbon dioxide, or up to about 3 volumes of carbon dioxide, or up to about 4 volumes of carbon dioxide. As used herein, one volume of carbon dioxide refers to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by a given quantity of liquid, such as water, at 60°F and one atmospheric pressure. A volume of gas occupies the same space as does the liquid by which it is dissolved. The carbon dioxide content can be selected by those skilled in the art based on the desired level of effervescence and the impact of the carbon dioxide on the taste or mouthfeel of the beverage.

[0162] According to other embodiments, a beverage concentrate is provided. The beverage concentrate comprises a beverage concentrate base. The term "beverage concentrate base" as used herein means a combination of the normal ingredients used to prepare a carbonated beverage or non-carbonated beverage, apart from still water or carbonated water and the color composition. These are standard ingredients used in art-recognized quantities, and include sugars, artificial / synthetic sweeteners, natural sweeteners, artificial / synthetic flavors, natural flavors, surfactants, and suspending agents, thickeners, rheology modifiers, dyes, coloring agents, stabilizers, and preservatives. The carbonated beverage concentrate base may comprise flavor, sweetener, and all other ingredients desired or necessary for a complete carbonated beverage, apart from carbonated water and the color composition.

[0163] The method of making the consumable, such as, for example, a consumable beverage comprises adding to about 500 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or from about 1000 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or from about 1500 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or from about 2000 to about 5000 ppm, or from about 2500 ppm to about 5000 ppm, and from about 3000 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or from 3500 ppm about 5000 ppm, or from about 4000 ppm to about 5000, or from about 4500 ppm to about 5000 of the color composition, such as a composition, of any of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein to the beverage base. According to certain embodiments, the method of making the consumable beverage comprises adding to about 500 ppm to about 4000 ppm, or from about 1000 ppm to about 4000 ppm, or from about 1500 ppm to about 4000 ppm, or from about 2000 to about 4000 ppm, or from about 2500 ppm to about 4000 ppm, and from about 3000 ppm to about 4000 ppm, or from 3500 ppm about 4000 ppm of the color composition of any of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein to the beverage base. According to certain embodiments, the method of making the consumable beverage comprises adding to about 500 ppm to about 3500 ppm, or from about 1000 ppm to about 3500 ppm, or from about 1500 ppm to about 3500 ppm, or from about 2000 to about 3500 ppm, or from about 2500 ppm to about 3500 ppm, and from about 3000 ppm to about 3500 ppm of the color composition of any of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein to the beverage base. According to certain embodiments, the method of making the consumable beverage comprises adding to about 500 ppm to about 3000 ppm, or from about 1000 ppm to about 3000 ppm, or from about 1500 ppm to about 3000 ppm, or from about 2000 to about 3000 ppm, or from about 2500 ppm to about 3000 ppm of the color composition of any of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein to the beverage base. According to certain embodiments, the method of making the consumable beverage comprises adding to about 500 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or from about 1000 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or from about 1500 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or from about 2000 to about 2500 ppm of the color composition, such as a composition, of any of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein to the beverage base.

[0164] EXAMPLES

[0165] Example 1

[0166] A color emulsion in accordance with the present disclosure was prepared as follows. An oil phase for the color emulsion was prepared with the ingredients and amounts according to Table 1A below:

[0167] Table 1A

[0168] Oil Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0169] Mono propylene glycol 22.05 100°C

[0170] KOH 3.64 100°C

[0171] Sunflower Oil 71.67 100-70°C

[0172] Bixin, 90% 2.63 70°C

[0173] Total Weight (g) 100

[0174]

[0175] The mono propylene glycol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were added together and the KOH was dissolved at a temperature of 100°C with stirring with a magnetic stir bar. The solution was permitted to cool with the addition of the sunflower oil to 70°C. The mono propylene glycol reacted with the reactive fatty acid functionality to form a propylene glycol ester of the sunflower oil fatty acids. The mixture was further permitted to mix for an additional 5 minutes (10 minutes total mixing time) at 70°C. The heat was turned off and the bixin was added to the mixture and mixed until dissolved. Bixin is not soluble in the sunflower oil, but is soluble in the propylene glycol ester of sunflower oil.

[0176] A water phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table IB below:

[0177] Table IB

[0178] Water Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0179] Senegal Gum 40 60°C

[0180] Water 136 60°C

[0181] Citric Acid 4 60°C

[0182] Potassium Sorbate 0.24 60°C

[0183] Total Weight (g) 180.24

[0184]

[0185] The components set forth in Table IB were mixed together using a Silverson laboratory mixer, Model L5M with a general purpose disintegrating head (https: / / www.silverson.co.uk / en / products / laboratory-mixers / )((Silverson Machines, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA, USA) until all components were dissolved(2 minutes @ 8000 rpm).

[0186] The oil phase prepared in accordance with Table 1A above and the water phase prepared in accordance with Table IB above were combined together in the amounts shown in Table 1C below to form the color emulsion. The oil phase was added to the water phase and the phases were mixed together using the Silverson mixer at 8000 RPM and 70°C for 2 minutes to create an oil-in-water emulsion. 14.82 g of medium chain triglycerides were added to the mixture of the oil phase and water phase and the mixture was mixed for an additional 2 minutes at 8000 RPM to further stabilize the color emulsion. The emulsion was homogenized with a piston homogenizer (GEA, Panda 2K) set at a flow rate of lOL / hour, 60°C, and a pressure of 660 / 50 bar to reduce the emulsion droplet size and stabilize the emulsion. Following the homogenizing step, the average emulsion particle size was in the range of about 280 to about 300nm.

[0187] Table 1C

[0188] Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0189] Water Phase 180.24 70°C

[0190] Oil Phase 9.88 70°C

[0191] MCT 14.82 20°C

[0192]

[0193] MCT = medium chain triglycerides

[0194] MCT may be optionally added and is provided to get a more turbid emulsion.

[0195] The emulsion obtained is stable over time and did not show ringing.

[0196] Example 2

[0197] A color emulsion in accordance with the present disclosure was prepared as follows. An oil phase for the color emulsion was prepared with the ingredients and amounts according to Table 2A below:

[0198] Table 2A

[0199] Oil Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0200] Mono propylene glycol 22.05 100°C

[0201] KOH 3.64 100°C

[0202] Sunflower Oil 35.84 100-70°C

[0203] MCT Oil 35.84 70°C

[0204] Bixin, 90% 3.5 70°C

[0205] Total Weight (g) 100

[0206]

[0207] The mono propylene glycol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were added together and the KOH was dissolved at a temperature of 100°C with stirring with a magnetic stir bar. The solution was permitted to cool with the addition of the sunflower oil and MCT oil to 70°C. The mixture was permitted to mix for 10 minutes at 70°C until the formation of one phase. The heat was turned off and the bixin was added to the mixture and mixed until dissolved.

[0208] A water phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 2B below:

[0209] Table 2B

[0210] Weight (g) in

[0211] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0212] Senegal Gum 49.95 19.98 70°C

[0213] Water 169.45 67.78 70°C

[0214] Ascorbic Acid 3.75 1.5 70°C

[0215] Citric Acid 1.25 0.5 70°C

[0216] Potassium Sorbate 0.3 0.12 70°C

[0217]

[0218] The components of the water phase set forth in Table 2B were mixed together using a Si Iverson laboratory mixer. Model L5M with a general purpose head (Silverson Machines, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA, USA) until all components were 2 minutes at 8000 RPM.

[0219] The oil phase prepared in accordance with Table 2A above and the water phase prepared in accordance with Table 2B above were combined together to form a color emulsion. The oil phase was added to the water phase and the phases were mixed together using the Silverson mixer at 8000 RPM and 70°C for 2 minutes to create an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0220] A beta carotene-containing phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 2C below:

[0221] Table 2C

[0222] Weight (g) in

[0223] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0224] MCT Oil 3.925 1.57 70°C

[0225] Alpha tocopherol, 0.95 0.38 70°C

[0226] >99%

[0227]

[0228] Rosemary extract, 0.325 0.13 70°C

[0229] 5% carnosic acid

[0230] Beta Carotene (OS 1.575 0.63 70°C

[0231] 30%, ex blakeslea

[0232] trisporia)

[0233]

[0234] The beta-carotene-containing phase of Table 2C was heated to a temperature of 160°C, added to the oil-in-water emulsion prepared from the oil phase of Table 2A and the water phase of Table 2B, and further mixed for 2 minutes at 8000 RPM. The emulsion was homogenized with a piston homogenizer (GEA, Panda 2K) set at a flow rate of lOL / hour, 60°C, and a pressure of 660 / 50 bar to reduce the emulsion droplet size and stabilize the emulsion. Following the homogenizing step, the average emulsion particle size was in the range of about 280 to about 300nm, to form the final color emulsion.

[0235] Example 3

[0236] A color emulsion in accordance with the present disclosure was prepared as follows. An oil phase for the color emulsion was prepared with the ingredients and amounts according to Table 3A below:

[0237] Table 3A

[0238] Oil Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0239] Mono propylene glycol 22.05 100°C

[0240] KOH 3.64 100°C

[0241] Sunflower Oil 35.84 100-70°C

[0242] MCT Oil 35.84 70°C

[0243] Bixin, 90% 3.5 70°C

[0244] Total Weight (g) 100

[0245]

[0246] The mono propylene glycol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were added together and the KOH was dissolved at a temperature of 100°C with stirring with a magnetic stir bar. The solution was permitted to cool with the addition of the sunflower oil and MCT oil to 70°C. The mixture was permitted to mix for 10 minutes at 70°C until the formation of one phase. The heat was turned off and the bixin was added to the mixture and mixed until dissolved.

[0247] A water phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 3B below:

[0248] Table 3B

[0249] Weight (g) in

[0250] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0251] Senegal Gum 49.95 19.98 70°C

[0252] Water 169.45 67.78 70°C

[0253] Ascorbic Acid 3.75 1.5 70°C

[0254] Citric Acid 1.25 0.5 70°C

[0255] Potassium Sorbate 0.3 0.12 70°C

[0256]

[0257] The components of the water phase set forth in Table 3B were mixed together using a Si Iverson laboratory mixer, Model L5M with a general purpose head (Silverson Machines, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA, USA) until all components were dissolved (2 minutes at 8000 RPM).

[0258] The oil phase prepared in accordance with Table 3A above and the water phase prepared in accordance with Table 3B above were combined together to form a color emulsion. The oil phase was added to the water phase and the phases were mixed together using the Silverson mixer at 8000 RPM and 70°C for 2 minutes to create an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0259] An antioxidant-containing phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 3C below:

[0260] Table 3C

[0261] Weight (g) in

[0262] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0263] MCT Oil 5.5 2.2 90°C

[0264] Alpha tocopherol, 0.95 0.38 90°C

[0265] >99%

[0266]

[0267] Rosemary extract, 0.325 0.13 90°C

[0268] 5% carnosic acid

[0269]

[0270] The antioxidant-containing phase of Table 3C was heated to a temperature of 90°C, added to the oil-in-water emulsion prepared from the oil phase of Table 3A and the water phase of Table 3B. The emulsion was homogenized with a piston homogenizer (GEA, Panda 2K) set at a flow rate of lOL / hour, 60°C, and a pressure of 660 / 50 bar to reduce the emulsion droplet size and stabilize the emulsion. Following the homogenizing step, the average emulsion particle size was in the range of about 280 to about 300nm, to form the final color emulsion.

[0271] Example 4

[0272] A color emulsion in accordance with the present disclosure was prepared as follows. An oil phase for the color emulsion was prepared with the ingredients and amounts according to Table 4A below:

[0273] Table 4A

[0274] Oil Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0275] Mono propylene glycol 22.05 100°C

[0276] KOH 3.64 100°C

[0277] Sunflower Oil 35.84 100-70°C

[0278] MCT Oil 35.84 100-70°C

[0279] Bixin, 90% 3.5 70°C

[0280] Total Weight (g) 100

[0281]

[0282] The mono propylene glycol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were added together and the KOH was dissolved at a temperature of 100°C with stirring with a magnetic stir bar. The solution was permitted to cool with the addition of the sunflower oil and MCT oil to 70°C. The mixture was permitted to mix for 10 minutes at 70°C until the formation of one phase. The heat was turned off and the bixin was added to the mixture and mixed until dissolved.

[0283] A water phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 4B below: Table 4B

[0284] Weight (g) in

[0285] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0286] Senegal Gum 49.95 19.98 70°C

[0287] Water 169.45 67.78 70°C

[0288] Ascorbic Acid 3.75 1.5 70°C

[0289] Citric Acid 1.25 0.5 70°C

[0290] Potassium Sorbate 0.3 0.12 70°C

[0291]

[0292] The components of the water phase set forth in Table 4B were mixed together using a Si Iverson laboratory mixer. Model L5M with a general purpose head (Silverson Machines, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA, USA) until all components were 2 minutes at 8000 RPM.

[0293] The oil phase prepared in accordance with Table 4A above and the water phase prepared in accordance with Table 4B above were combined together to form a color emulsion. The oil phase was added to the water phase and the phases were mixed together using the Silverson mixer at 8000 RPM and 70°C for 2 minutes to create an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0294] A beta-carotene-containing phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 4C below:

[0295] Table 4C

[0296] Weight (g) in

[0297] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0298] MCT Oil 4.7125 1.885 160°C

[0299] Alpha tocopherol, 0.95 0.38 160°C

[0300] >99%

[0301] Rosemary extract, 0.325 0.13 160°C

[0302] 5% carnosic acid

[0303]

[0304] Beta-Carotene (OS 0.7875 0.315 160°C

[0305] 30%, ex blakeslea

[0306] trisporia)

[0307]

[0308] The beta-carotene-containing phase of Table 4C was heated to a temperature of 160°C, added to the oil-in-water emulsion prepared from the oil phase of Table 4A and the water phase of Table 4B, and further mixed for 2 minutes at 8000 RPM. The emulsion was homogenized with a piston homogenizer (GEA, Panda 2K) set at a flow rate of lOL / hour, 60°C, and a pressure of 660 / 50 bar to reduce the emulsion droplet size and stabilize the emulsion. Following the homogenizing step, the average emulsion particle size was in the range of about 280 to about 300nm, to form the final color emulsion.

[0309] Example 5

[0310] A color emulsion in accordance with the present disclosure was prepared as follows. An oil phase for the color emulsion was prepared with the ingredients and amounts according to Table 5A below:

[0311] Table 5A

[0312] Oil Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0313] Mono propylene glycol 28.12 100°C

[0314] KOH 4.64 100°C

[0315] Sunflower Oil 31.88 100-70°C

[0316] MCT Oil 31.88 100-70°C

[0317] Bixin, 90% 3.48 70°C

[0318] Total Weight (g) 100

[0319]

[0320] The mono propylene glycol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were added together and the KOH was dissolved at a temperature of 100°C with stirring with a magnetic stir bar. The solution was permitted to cool with the addition of the sunflower oil and MCT oil to 70°C. The mixture was permitted to mix for 10 minutes at 70°C until the formation of one phase. The heat was turned off and the bixin was added to the mixture and mixed until dissolved. A water phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 5B below:

[0321] Table 5B

[0322] Weight (g) in

[0323] Water Phase 250 ml ° / o Temperature

[0324] Senegal Gum 49.95 19.98 70°C

[0325] Water 169.45 67.78 70°C

[0326] Ascorbic Acid 3.75 1.5 70°C

[0327] Citric Acid 1.25 0.5 70°C

[0328] Potassium Sorbate 0.3 0.12 70°C

[0329]

[0330] The components of the water phase set forth in Table 5B were mixed together using a Silverson laboratory mixer, Model L5M with a general purpose head (Silverson Machines, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA, USA) until all components were 2 minutes at 8000 RPM.

[0331] The oil phase prepared in accordance with Table 5A above and the water phase prepared in accordance with Table 5B above were combined together to form a color emulsion. The oil phase was added to the water phase and the phases were mixed together using the Silverson mixer at 8000 RPM and 70°C for 2 minutes to create an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0332] A beta-carotene-containing phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 5C below:

[0333] Table 5C

[0334] Weight (g) in

[0335] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0336] MCT Oil 4.7125 1.885 160°C

[0337] Alpha tocopherol, 0.95 0.38 160°C

[0338] >99%

[0339] Rosemary extract, 0.325 0.13 160°C

[0340] 5% carnosic acid

[0341]

[0342] Beta-Carotene (OS 0.7875 0.315 160°C

[0343] 30%, ex blakeslea

[0344] trisporia)

[0345]

[0346] The beta-carotene-containing phase of Table 5C was heated to a temperature of 160°C, added to the oil-in-water emulsion prepared from the oil phase of Table 5A and the water phase of Table 5B, and further mixed for 2 minutes at 8000 RPM. The emulsion was homogenized with a piston homogenizer (GEA, Panda 2K) set at a flow rate of lOL / hour, 60°C, and a pressure of 660 / 50 bar to reduce the emulsion droplet size and stabilize the emulsion. Following the homogenizing step, the average emulsion particle size was in the range of about 280 to about 300nm, to form the final color emulsion.

[0347] This version was necessary to capture the variations in the bixin quality.

[0348] Example 6

[0349] A color emulsion in accordance with the present disclosure was prepared as follows. An oil phase for the color emulsion was prepared with the ingredients and amounts according to Table 6A below:

[0350] Table 6A

[0351] Oil Phase Weight (g) Temperature

[0352] Mono propylene glycol 28.12 100°C

[0353] KOH 4.64 100°C

[0354] Sunflower Oil 31.88 100-70°C

[0355] MCT Oil 31.88 100-70°C

[0356] Bixin, 90% 3.48 70°C

[0357] Total Weight (g) 100

[0358]

[0359] The mono propylene glycol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were added together and the KOH was dissolved at a temperature of 100°C with stirring with a magnetic stir bar. The solution was permitted to cool with the addition of the sunflower oil and MCT oil to 70°C. The mixture was permitted to mix for 10 minutes at 70°C until the formation of one phase. The heat was turned off and the bixin was added to the mixture and mixed until dissolved.

[0360] A water phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 4B below:

[0361] Table 6B

[0362] Weight (g) in

[0363] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0364] Senegal Gum 49.95 19.98 70°C

[0365] Water 169.45 67.78 70°C

[0366] Ascorbic Acid 3.75 1.5 70°C

[0367] Citric Acid 1.25 0.5 70°C

[0368] Potassium Sorbate 0.3 0.12 70°C

[0369]

[0370] The components of the water phase set forth in Table 6B were mixed together using a Si Iverson laboratory mixer, Model L5M with a general purpose head (Silverson Machines, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA, USA) until all components were 2 minutes at 8000 RPM.

[0371] The oil phase prepared in accordance with Table 6A above and the water phase prepared in accordance with Table 6B above were combined together to form a color emulsion. The oil phase was added to the water phase and the phases were mixed together using the Silverson mixer at 8000 RPM and 70°C for 2 minutes to create an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0372] A beta-carotene-containing phase for the color emulsion was prepared according to Table 6C below:

[0373] Table 6C

[0374] Weight (g) in

[0375] Water Phase 250 ml % Temperature

[0376] MCT Oil 1.42 0.568 160°C

[0377] Alpha tocopherol, 0.95 0.38 160°C

[0378] >99%

[0379]

[0380] Rosemary extract, 5% 0.325 0.13 160°C

[0381] carnosic acid

[0382] Beta-Carotene (OS 1.575 0.63 160°C

[0383] 30%, ex blakeslea

[0384] trisporia)

[0385] Ester gum (weighting 2.5 1

[0386] agent)

[0387] Orange oil 0.1 0.04

[0388]

[0389] The beta-carotene-containing phase of Table 6C was heated to a temperature of 160°C, added to the oil-in-water emulsion prepared from the oil phase of Table 6A and the water phase of Table 6B, and further mixed for 2 minutes at 8000 RPM. The emulsion was homogenized with a piston homogenizer (GEA, Panda 2K) set at a flow rate of lOL / hour, 60°C, and a pressure of 660 / 50 bar to reduce the emulsion droplet size and stabilize the emulsion. Following the homogenizing step, the average emulsion particle size was in the range of about 280 to about 300nm, to form the final color emulsion.

[0390] This version was necessary to further improve the emulsion. The use of ester gum as a weighting agent retards creaming of the oil phases.

[0391] The addition of carotene was shown to directly affect the photostability of the annatto after 48 hours under light duress @ 24000 Lux / Hr over 10 days

[0392] Sample 6L* 6a* 6b* AE

[0393] Example 2 5.14 -9.92 20.98 23.77

[0394] Example 3 6.59 -10.63 -32.3 34.6

[0395]

[0396] Example 4 6.27 -11.48 -22.71 26.21

[0397] Table 7. Delta Lab results after 10 days of light testing.

[0398] Samples were diluted to 0.1% in a sugar (8% glucose), acid (0.03% ascorbic acid, 0.07% citric acid), preservative (0.12% potassium sorbate) solution (water 91.78%) measured directly in a 150 mL containers used for light pressure testing, on the Hunterlab colorflez EZ using the medium mask. The samples were measure on day 0 and 10, the resulting difference being displayed as a 5 value. The AE represents a total difference in the sample (before and after). The 6b* represents the change in the yellow aspect. As it can be seen in table 7 and figure 1, after 10 days of accelerated exposure to light, the samples without beta-carotene lost the orange color (example 3 with higher AE and higher change in the 6b*)

[0399] However, the samples with beta-carotene added to the inventive bixin emulsion (examples 2 and 4) show an increase on the light stability of said emulsions.

[0400] Figure 2 shows a market product containing FD&C 6 (or Sunset yellow FCF) a synthetic dye (left) with a h=72.66 and a dilution of FD&C 6 at 0.0025% (middle) with a h=73.3. At the right of Fig 2 there is a dilution of 0.2% of the Inventive composition of example 6 with a h=72.22.

[0401] The hue angle for the example 6 is very close to the hue angle for FD&C 6 which is yellow orange:

[0402] Sample Hue angle

[0403] FD&C Yellow #60.0025% 73.3

[0404] Example 6 - 0.20% 72.22

[0405]

[0406] Market Product 72.66

[0407] Table 8. Color measurements.

[0408] As if can be seen, the Composition of the invention (right) perfectly matches the color of the market product containing the FD&C 6, being thus a natural alternative for the synthetic dye FD&C 6.

[0409] Color Evaluation. Add ca. 1.0g of product into a 25 mL volumetric flask and dilute using deionised water. Take 1 mL of the aqueous dilution and dilute it into 100 mL acetone using a volumetric flask. Measure the absorbance of the acetone dilution using a spectrophotometer between the ranges 350-800nm. The extinction is calculated using the formula Absorbance @ max) (maximum absorbance) X 25 / weight of sample used.

[0410] The color emulsions and the food products of the present disclosure can be analyzed with a spectrophotometer, and CIELAB L*a*b* values can be calculated from the spectral data, as described in greater detail below. The L*a*b* values provide a means of representing colour characteristics and assessing the magnitude of difference between two colours. The L*a*b* values also provide a means of representing colour characteristics and assessing the magnitude of difference between two colours not only of solutions, but also of products. Measurements of colour compositions and products in solid form are accomplished using reflectance measurements from the surface of the product.

[0411] For example, L*a*b* values consist of a set of coordinate values defined in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. L* is the lightness coordinate and provides a scale of lightness from black (0 L* units) to white (100 L* units) on a vertical axis, a* and b* are coordinates related to both hue and chroma, a* provides a scale for greenness (- a* units) to redness (+ a* units), with neutral at the center point (0 a* units), on a horizontal axis; b* provides a scale for blueness (- b* units) to yellowness (+ b* units), with neutral at the center point (0 b* units), on a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. The three axes cross where L* has a value of 50 and a* and b* are both zero.

[0412] AE is a measure of the magnitude of total colour difference between two colours represented in CIELAB L*a*b* colour space. It has been reported that an experienced colour observer cannot distinguish any difference between two colours when the AE is about 2.3 or less. The AE of two different colours with L*a*b* values, L*ia*ib*i and L*2a*zb*2, is calculated using Equation 1:

[0413]

[0414] AEai)* — VCL*i . — . i’zP . + . (a*i . ~ + . (b\ — . b*2)2Equation 1

[0415] The L*a*b* evaluation was done using a Hunterlab colorflex EZ and EasyMatch software. Dilutions of samples were made using an 8% glucose solution, preserved using 1200 ppm of potassium sorbate and citric / ascorbic acid to pH 3.00. The sample was tested using the colorflex EZ in a transmission mode. Changes in the shade were quantified using the EasyMatch software.

[0416] While the color composition, method of making the color composition, consumables containing the color composition, methods of making consumables, and uses of the color composition have been described in connection with various embodiments, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function. Furthermore, the various illustrative embodiments may be combined to produce the desired results. Therefore, the color composition, method of making the color composition, consumables containing the color composition, methods of making consumables, and uses of the color composition should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims. It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as described hereinabove. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired result.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A color emulsion comprising a discontinuous oil phase comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester emulsified in a continuous water phase.

2. A liquid composition comprising bixin solubilized in a fatty acid ester.

3. The color emulsion according to claim 1 or the liquid composition of claim 2, wherein the fatty acid ester is a glycol ester of a fatty acid.

4. The color emulsion or the liquid composition of claim 3, wherein the glycol ester of a fatty acid comprises an alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid.

5. The color emulsion or the liquid composition of claim 4, wherein the alkylene ester of a fatty acid is mono propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid.

6. The color emulsion or the liquid composition of claim 5, wherein the fatty acid is derived from an edible oil.

7. The color emulsion or the liquid composition of claim 6, wherein the edible oil is selected from the group consisting of MCT, almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, flaxseed oil, hazelnut oil, illipe oil, linseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, pecan oil, pumpkin seed oil, oat oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, and mixtures thereof.

8. The color emulsion or the liquid composition of claim 7, wherein the edible oil is sunflower oil.

9. The color emulsion or the liquid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base selected from alkali metal hydroxides.

10. The color emulsion or the liquid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an antioxidant agent.

11. The color emulsion or the liquid composition according to claim 10, wherein antioxidant is selected from carotenoids (such as beta-carotene), Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), tocopherols, and mixtures thereof.

12. The color emulsion or the liquid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a weighting agent.

13. The color emulsion or the liquid composition according to claim 12, wherein the weighting agent is selected from one or more of saccharose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), polyol fatty acid esters, polyol benzoates, dammar gum, rosin gums, ester gums, and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, the weighting agent is selected from sucrose esters, such as saccharose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), polyol fatty acid esters, polyol benzoates, dammar gum, rosin gums, ester gums and mixtures thereof.

14. A method for making a color emulsion comprising:a) solubilizing bixin in a fatty acid ester to form an oil phase;b) providing a water phase; andc) emulsifying the oil phase in the water phase to form an oil-in-water emulsion.

15. The method of making the color emulsion of claim 14, wherein the fatty acid ester is a glycol ester of a fatty acid.

16. The method of making the color emulsion of claim 15, wherein the glycol ester of a fatty acid comprises an alkylene glycol ester of a fatty acid.

17. The method of making the color emulsion of claim 16, wherein the alkylene ester of a fatty acid is mono propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid.

18. The method of making the color emulsion of claim 17, wherein the fatty acid is derived from an edible oil.

19. The method of makin the color emulsion of claim 18, wherein the edible oil is selected from the group consisting of MCT, almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, flaxseed oil, hazelnut oil, illipe oil, linseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, pecan oil, pumpkin seed oil, oat oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, and mixtures thereof.

20. The method of making the color emulsion according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising adding a base selected from alkali metal hydroxides.

21. The method of making the color emulsion of claim 20, wherein the base reacts with the alkylene glycol to form a salt of the alkylene glycol.

22. The method of making the color emulsion according to any one of claims 14 to 21, further comprising adding in step a), b) and / or c) an antioxidant.

23. The method of making the color emulsion according to claim 22, wherein the antioxidant agent is selected from carotenoids (such as beta-carotene), Lamiaceae extracts (such as rosemary extracts, salvia extracts etc), tocopherols, and mixtures thereof.

24. The method of making the color emulsion according to any one of claims 14 to 23, further comprising adding in step a), b) and / or c) a weighting agent.

25. The method of making the color emulsion according to claim 24, wherein the weighting agent is selected from sucrose esters, such as saccharose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), polyol fatty acid esters, polyol benzoates, dammar gum, rosin gums, ester gums or mixtures thereof.

26. The method of making the color emulsion according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein ratio of the oil phase to the water phase at a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:1000.

27. The method of making the color emulsion according to any one of claims 14 to 26, further comprising adding from about 0.5 to about 40 weight percent of medium chain triglycerides to the oil and water phases.

28. The method of making the color emulsion according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the color emulsion is subjected to a homogenizing step for the purpose of reducing the emulsion droplet / particle size and increasing the stability of the emulsion.

29. The method of making the color emulsion of claim 28, wherein the homogenizing speed is from about 5000 RPM to about 10,000 RPM.

30. The method of making the color emulsion of claim 29, where the homogenizing step is carried out for a period of time from about 20 seconds to about 1 hour.

31. The method of making the color emulsion of any one of claims 14 to 30, wherein the temperature of the homogenizing step is from about 25 °C to about 99 °C.

32. The method of making the color emulsion according to any one of claims 14 to 31, wherein the average emulsion particle size is from about 280 to about 300 nm.

33. A color emulsion prepared using the method according to any one of claims 14 to 32.

34. The color emulsion or the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a color emulsion according to claim 33, characterized by being stable to photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation.

35. The color emulsion or the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a color emulsion according to claim 33 or 34, characterized by providing a yellow-orange color, specially wherein the color is essentially same as Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6.

36. A consumable composition comprising a consumable base and the color composition or color emulsion of any one of claims 1 to 13, 33 to 35.

37. A method of making a consumable composition comprising adding the color composition or emulsion of any one of claims 1 to 13, 33 to 35, specially wherein the color of the consumable is stable to photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation.

38. Use of the color composition or emulsion of any one of claims 1 to 13, 33 to 35 to impart a color to a consumable, specially wherein the color is a yellow-orange color, specially wherein the coloris essentially the same as Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6.

39. Method to protect a bixin colorant from photooxidation and / or heat-induced oxidation comprising adding carotenoids to a bixin colorant or a composition comprising bixin.

Images