The Netherlands-based GNT Group has secured the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the use of spirulina extract in beverages, enabling manufacturers to achieve vibrant blue shades while maintaining clean labels.
GNT, which supplies plant-based Exberry colour concentrates, has developed a patented formulation technology that allows spirulina extract to remain temperature- and acid-stabilised in beverages.

The Exberry blue beverage solution is suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including sports, energy and carbonated drinks, juices, enhanced waters and alcoholic beverages below 20% ABV.

The Code of Federal Regulations had previously only permitted the use of spirulina extract as a natural blue colouring ingredient in certain food products and powdered beverages. The update has come into effect from December 13, 2022.

This means the Exberry blue beverage solution can be used as a clean-label replacement for Blue-1 in the vast majority of drink applications. It delivers a bright turquoise blue shade in acidified beverages with a pH range between 2.6 and 3.4, and can be combined with other Exberry concentrates to deliver hues that include navy blue, violet and green.

Natural blues have always presented challenges, from regulatory hurdles to technical limitations. Consumer interest in spirulina has increased exponentially over the past decade in step with the FDA’s approval of natural blue colours derived from spirulina extract for products including yoghurt, ice cream and confectionery.

GNT is the largest spirulina extract manufacturer in the world. Its spirulina supply chain is completely vertically integrated, beginning with raw material cultivation through to its dedicated product manufacturing facility to ensure commercial scale-up capabilities.

The company’s state-of-the-art facility also utilises green energy generated from solar panels to enhance sustainability. For more information, contact learnmore@gntusa.com.