GRA Nutra puts natural beta-carotene in the bottle without breaking the bank
GRA Nutra AG is introducing AuraBC™, a natural beta-carotene food colour derived through non-GMO fermentation technology, targeting food and beverage manufacturers seeking clean-label alternatives to petroleum-based synthetic dyes.
The Fairfield, NJ-based company will showcase AuraBC at IFT FIRST in Chicago (13-15 July), demonstrating the ingredient in flavoured waters, gummies, and fortified crackers. The launch comes at a moment of mounting regulatory pressure on synthetic colorants in both the United States and Europe.
Regulatory tailwinds driving reformulation
In the US, the FDA’s revocation of Red No. 3 and a broader initiative to phase out petroleum-based certified colours are accelerating the shift toward natural pigments. State-level restrictions on synthetic dyes in school food service add further urgency. In Europe, bans on titanium dioxide and certain FD&C dyes reinforce the same direction globally.
“The food colour market is rapidly shifting away from FD&C petroleum-based and other synthetic dyes toward natural, clean-label pigments,” says Lynda Doyle, CEO of GRA Nutra Corp. “This is driven by consumer distrust of artificial colours, retailer and regulatory pressure, and aggressive reformulation by major brands. Our fermentation-based colours break through the cost barrier of delivering natural alternatives that are environmentally sound.”
Fermentation at the core
AuraBC delivers warm yellow-to-orange tones suitable for flavoured waters, sparkling refreshers, energy drinks, juices, and dairy-based beverages. The product is available in spray-dried powders, beadlets, granulations, oil suspensions, and emulsions, and can be standardised to concentrations ranging from 1% to 30%.
The beadlet format is particularly notable for protecting sensitive carotenoids from light and oxidation, while offering solubility, dispersibility, bioavailability, and consistent colour performance across varied processing conditions.
“Our proprietary fermentation technology is the key to optimising beta-carotene yields from naturally occurring strains,” explains Guido Schaer, co-founder and Chairman of GRA Nutra AG. “The process is vertically integrated, combining ingredient production, extraction, purification, and formulation within a single facility. This integrated model reduces transport, minimises energy use, and improves overall efficiency and sustainability.”
Sustainability built into production
GRA Nutra’s manufacturing relies on renewable energy generated on site via solar panels or through certified renewable power purchase agreements. Doyle emphasises that the company works exclusively with suppliers aligned with a zero-carbon footprint objective, and that all active ingredients are renewable, fermentation-based, or algae-derived.
The company’s first commercial production plant is expected to come online in early 2027, at which point supply capacity is set to scale significantly.
“GRA Nutra provides food manufacturers with a viable means of reformulating products that align with clean label, wellness and environmental ideals,” says Schaer, “while giving brand owners a practical, sustainable alternative to synthetic colorants in flexible formats, at robust supplies and competitive prices.”
- For more information, visit: granutra.com
