Apocarotenal
Apocarotenal, or trans-β-apo-8'-carotenal, is a carotenoid found in spinach and citrus fruits. Like other carotenoids, apocarotenal plays a role as a precursor to vitamin A, even though it has 50% less pro-vitamin A activity than β-carotene. The empirical chemical formula for apocarotenal is C30H40O.
Apocarotenal has an orange-red color shade and is used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. Depending on the product forms, apocarotenal is used in fat-based foods (sauces, margarine, salad dressing), beverages, dairy products and confectionery. Its E number is 160E.
Key benefits
Like other carotenoids, apocarotenal plays a role as a precursor to vitamin A. However, it has 50% less pro-vitamin.
The main application for Apocarotenal is as a colorant in food and pharmaceutical products where it provides an orange to orange-red color shade. Compared to certain natural pigments, apocarotenal offers ease-of-use and superior color stability.
A versatile colorant
Apocarotenal is used mainly as a colorant in food and pharmaceutical preparations where it provides an orange to orange-red color shade.
DSM’s Apocarotenal 10% WS/N is specifically formulated for use in liquid systems - particularly ready-to-drink beverages - where it offers easy dispersion, excellent stability and resistance to neck ringing.
Apocarotenal 1% CWS/M is formulated for use in dry mix applications.
Carotenal solution #2 and #73 offer superior color stability in processed cheese applications.
