I have lately been reading in-depth articles on research and development in food and beverage trade publication on beverage colors. Drinks come in myriad of shades of the rainbow, and more. From neon colors to pastels, earth tones and cola and root beer browns.

For many years artificial colors were in. They were easy to make and stable over long periods of time. Then there were all the scares with artificial dyes over the years, like cancer and allergies. Combined with today's health consciousness, this has led to the development of new, natural colors. You would think this was easy but it has been a struggle. Natural colors are difficult to make stable, so they don't change shades or fade with time. Now it looks like the color stability problem is a thing of the past.
Some of the newest colorings are even healthy and made from natural fruits and vegetables, such as shades of red from tomatoes that have the beneficial substance lycopene in them. Lycopene can also be found in watermelons, papayas, guavas, pink grapefruit, chili's, and apricots. Using these lycopene bearing fruits can combine natural colors with their flavors. A company called Wild Flavors (see photo) is trying to match these natural colors and flavors together to make new concepts in drinks.

Some of the new colors are made from flavonoids, which are naturally occurring substances in plants that are excellent oxygen scavengers. They block oxidative processes and stop free radicals. Which means they may prevent or delay diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, cataracts, and cognitive problems. Other plant substances are being made into food and beverage colors as well, like anthocyanins which are currently being researched for a large number of potential health benefits. Many carotenoids, like beta-carotene, are known for their healthy properties and are used for coloring purposes. The spice turmeric contains curcumin which is what makes the spice, and mustard, yellow. It is gaining recognition for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-microbial properties.

The latest natural colors being developed are organic ones. This is proving even more difficult than the early natural colors, but as organic foods become more and more available, so are the colors. As demand goes up the manufacturers are forced into finding ways to meet that demand. Soon we won't have to worry about colors in our foods being dangerous. There won't be any more cancer scares or worries about allergic reactions. Instead we will be able to relax and know that the colors in our beverages (and foods) will actually be full of healthy and beneficial substances that help us get healthy, stay healthy, live longer; and are organic as well.

Colors also have an emotional and mental impact; they can make us feel different ways. Who we are also affects how colors make us feel. For example, a color that makes one group of people feel happy and full of energy, may do nothing, or even visually over stimulate and exhaust other groups. Asians tend to like different colors than Hispanics, and other groups vary as well. Research has pin-pointed what colors different sectors of the consumer market like or are attracted to at what age. Seniors prefer brighter and cleaner shades. Adults want soothing and refreshing colors. Teens go for anything fun and cool, like off-beat colors, as well as sophisticated ones. Kids like bright and intense colors, especially red, blue, and purple shades.

Are there any foods and drinks whose colors you love? Hate? Just plain don't get?