Modern consumers want shareable beverage experiences. Miguel Bielders, Marketing Manager APAC at GNT Group, highlights the potential of plant-based colours.
Colour brings new beverage experiences to life. Whether developing a core product or a limited-time offer, colour is a vital storytelling device that helps consumers get a feel for a product before they take their first sip.
In most cases, colour is used to influence flavour expectations and help consumers connect the dots.
But in today’s visual-first world, it plays an even bigger role. High-impact natural colours like deep reds, blues, and greens can help build buzz and deliver visual novelty.
These trending shades catch the eye and create instant appeal, ensuring drinks are more likely to be shared on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.
The importance of plant-based colours
Today’s consumers are conscious of what goes into their food and drinks. They want clean labels without compromising visual appeal.
EXBERRY® colours are the ideal solution. They are made from fruits, vegetables, and plants without the use of chemical solvents, helping ensure widespread consumer acceptance while futureproofing against regulatory change.
EXBERRY® can also be used to deliver a complete spectrum of bright, stable shades, and the concepts below have been developed to showcase the possibilities.
Created by our expert culinary team, they pair trend-driven flavours with bold, natural colours.
EXBERRY® Mango Boosted Lemonade
Mango electrolyte syrup combines with coloured mango pieces to create a lemonade that is a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.
How it was made
Fresh mango was cooked with cinnamon, orange zest, spices, and EXBERRY® yellow carrot concentrate then boosted with electrolytes. Freeze-dried mango pieces were also coated with EXBERRY® yellow carrot concentrate. The syrup and mango pieces were added to freshly squeezed lemonade to produce a sunrise-like orange hue.
EXBERRY® Cherry Bubble Pearl Lemonade
The U.S. cherry-flavoured soft drink “Cheerwine” gets a juicy, modern twist with popping texture and bold plant-based colour. Bubble pearls tap into the growing demand for interactive textures and boba-style beverages. Paired with natural colour and clean-label ingredients, it’s a fun, Gen Z–friendly format that sparks curiosity and encourages repeat discovery.
How it was made
This cherry lemonade features layered notes of sweet dark cherry and tart citrus while juicy bubble pearls, made using a spherification technique, deliver a satisfying pop. EXBERRY® sweet potato and carrot concentrate naturally boosts the beverage’s rich red hue and visual impact.
EXBERRY® Southern Peach Fizz
This smooth, sweetly flavoured beverage was inspired by Southern Comfort, the iconic New Orleans sunset-coloured spirit boasting notes of juicy summer peaches and ripe cherries brightened by lime zest with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and honey.
How it was made
Peach puree was blended with cherries, lime zest, ground cinnamon, natural vanilla extract and EXBERRY® yellow carrot concentrate. The vibrant golden syrup is sweetened with honey and sugar before carbonated water is added for an effervescent finish.
Experts in plant-based colour
GNT is dedicated to partnering with brands throughout the entire product development process to ensure effective plant-based colour solutions.
We have almost 50 years’ experience using colours made from fruits, vegetables, and plants in food and drink.
Whatever your vision, EXBERRY® can help you make it a reality.
If you want to learn more about how to replace synthetic dyes with plant-based colours, sign up for GNT’s beverage webinar now.
