Value Proposition
SRBio delivers premium butterfly pea flower powder with ≥40% anthocyanin content (HPLC), FDA‑recognized natural blue color status, and 24‑month stability under ambient conditions. Our vertically integrated farm‑to‑powder process enables food, beverage, and cosmetic brands to replace synthetic blue #1 and red #40 with a clean‑label, pH‑adaptive natural colorant.
Key Specifications At a Glance
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Anthocyanin Content | ≥40% (HPLC) | AOAC 2020.05 |
| Color Value (E1%/530nm) | ≥180 | UV‑Vis spectrophotometry |
| Color Value (E1%/620nm) | ≥25 | UV‑Vis |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.5 – 6.5 | Electrode |
| Solubility in water (25°C) | >99% within 60 seconds | Visual + gravimetric |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% | USP <731> |
| Ash content | ≤8.0% | USP <281> |
| Bulk density (tapped) | 0.45 – 0.65 g/mL | USP <616> |
| Particle size | ≥95% through 80 mesh (177 μm) | Sieve analysis |
| Heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) | ≤10 ppm total | ICP‑MS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1.0 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1.0 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.5 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1,000 CFU/g | ISO 4833 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | ISO 21527 |
| E. coli | Negative | ISO 7251 |
| Salmonella | Negative / 25g | ISO 6579 |
| Shelf life (ambient, sealed) | 24 months | Real‑time stability |
| Storage recommendation | Cool, dry, away from light | – |
The SRBio Advantage
1. Farm‑to‑Lab Vertical Integration
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800+ acres of GOTS‑certified organic farmland in Yunnan Province, China
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Altitude: 1,200 – 1,600 meters – optimal for high anthocyanin accumulation in Clitoria ternatea flowers
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Harvesting: Manual picking at dawn (05:00 – 08:00) to maximize color yield
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Blockchain traceability: Each batch has a QR code linking to:
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Harvest date and field coordinates
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Soil analysis report (pH, heavy metals, organic matter)
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Processing batch number and quality release data
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Cost advantage: 30% lower landed cost than Thai or Vietnamese suppliers, achieved through solar‑powered drying and low‑temp extraction
2. Proprietary Low‑Temperature Water Extraction Process
Step‑by‑step process:
| Step | Description | Parameter |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw material sorting | Fresh or dried flowers, hand‑sorted to remove calyx and stems | Purity >99.5% |
| 2. Cold water extraction | Deionized water, closed‑loop system | ≤50°C, 60 min |
| 3. Filtration | Multi‑stage membrane filtration (0.45 μm → 0.22 μm) | Removes particles and microbes |
| 4. Concentration | Low‑temperature vacuum evaporation | ≤45°C |
| 5. Drying | Spray drying with maltodextrin carrier (optional) | Inlet 160°C / Outlet 80°C |
| 6. Milling & sieving | 80 mesh | Uniform particle size |
| 7. Metal detection & packing | Under nitrogen flushing | Food‑grade HDPE drums / aluminum foil bags |
Performance comparison vs. conventional methods:
| Parameter | SRBio Low‑Temp Process | Conventional Hot Water Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction temperature | ≤50°C | 75 – 90°C |
| Anthocyanin retention (post‑drying) | 94% | 70 – 80% |
| Color value retention after 24 months | 95% | 60 – 70% (12 months max) |
| Processing time (flower to powder) | <4 hours | 8 – 12 hours |
| Solvent residues | None (water only) | None (water only) |
| Energy consumption per kg | 2.1 kWh | 4.5 kWh |
3. Quality & Food Safety System
Certifications held:
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USDA Organic
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EU Organic (EC 834/2007)
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ISO 22000:2018 (Food Safety Management)
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BRCGS Food Safety Standard – AA Grade
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Halal (JAKIM‑recognized)
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Kosher (Orthodox Union – OU Pareve)
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Non‑GMO Project Verified
Allergen & clean‑label status:
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Free from: Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame, mustard, lupin, celery
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No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
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No synthetic solvents used at any stage
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No carriers unless requested (pure powder also available)
Regulatory approvals for use as a colorant:
| Region | Status | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| USA | FDA GRAS Notice No. GRN 001205 | Natural blue color additive for specified food categories |
| EU | EFSA Novel Food approval | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/… |
| China | GB 2760 approved natural colorant | National food safety standard |
| Japan | Approved as existing food additive | MHLW notification |
| South Korea | MFDS approved | Food Additives Code |
| Brazil | ANVISA approved | RDC 243/2018 |
Technical Specifications (Expanded)
Anthocyanin Profile by HPLC
| Compound | Typical % of total anthocyanins | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|
| Delphinidin‑3‑O‑glucoside | 35 – 40% | 6906‑38‑3 |
| Petunidin‑3‑O‑glucoside | 20 – 25% | 6988‑81‑4 |
| Malvidin‑3‑O‑glucoside | 15 – 20% | 7228‑78‑6 |
| Cyanidin‑3‑O‑glucoside | 10 – 15% | 7084‑24‑4 |
| Others (peonidin, pelargonidin) | 5 – 10% | – |
Complete Heavy Metal & Contaminant Panel
| Contaminant | Limit | Typical SRBio Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1.0 ppm | <0.2 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1.0 ppm | <0.1 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.5 ppm | <0.05 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | <0.02 ppm |
| Pesticides (multiresidue, 400+) | Below LOQ | Not detected |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH4) | ≤10 μg/kg | <2 μg/kg |
| 3‑MCPD (if carrier used) | ≤20 μg/kg | Not applicable (pure powder) |
Stability Data – Detailed
Real‑time stability at 25°C ± 2°C / 60% RH ± 5% (sealed, opaque HDPE drum)
| Time (months) | Color value retention (E1%/530nm) | Anthocyanin retention (HPLC) | Moisture content | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100% | 100% | 4.2% | Fine powder, deep blue |
| 3 | 99% | 99% | 4.3% | No change |
| 6 | 98% | 98% | 4.4% | No change |
| 12 | 98% | 97% | 4.5% | Slight darkening acceptable |
| 18 | 96% | 95% | 4.6% | Slight darkening acceptable |
| 24 | 95% | 94% | 4.8% | Color acceptable, flowable |
Accelerated stability (40°C / 75% RH) – predictive for room temperature
| Time (months) | Color retention | Anthocyanin retention | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 96% | 95% | Equivalent to ~6 months at 25°C |
| 3 | 92% | 90% | Equivalent to ~18 months at 25°C |
| 6 | 90% | 88% | Equivalent to ~30 months at 25°C |
Light stability: Store away from direct UV light. Under typical retail lighting (500 lux, 25°C, 8 hours/day), color retention remains >90% for 3 months in opaque packaging. For clear packaging, we recommend adding ascorbic acid (0.05%) or EDTA.
pH Responsiveness – Full Spectrum & Delta E Values
| pH | Dominant color | Delta E* (vs pH 5.5) | Hue angle (°) | Chroma |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | Pink‑red | 42.3 | 22° | 38.5 |
| 3.0 | Pink | 38.1 | 28° | 41.2 |
| 4.0 | Mauve‑pink | 28.7 | 35° | 44.0 |
| 5.0 | Purple | 18.2 | 42° | 46.5 |
| 5.5 (native) | Deep blue‑purple | 0.0 | 52° | 48.1 |
| 6.0 | Royal blue | 12.5 | 58° | 47.8 |
| 7.0 | Bright blue | 22.9 | 64° | 45.3 |
| 8.0 | Green‑blue | 34.1 | 72° | 40.2 |
| 9.0 | Blue‑green | 41.6 | 78° | 35.0 |
Buffering recommendation: For stable blue color at pH 6.0 – 7.0, use phosphate or citrate buffer. Avoid high concentrations of ascorbic acid (above 0.1%) which may shift hue toward purple.
Multi‑Industry Applications – With Technical Formulation Notes
Beverages
| Sub‑category | Product examples | SRBio technical advantage | Dosage guide (w/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear RTD teas | Lemon tea, passionfruit tea | No sedimentation; soluble up to 2% w/w | 0.05 – 0.2% |
| Sports drinks | Electrolyte blue drinks | pH stable 3.0 – 4.5 (pink to purple) | 0.03 – 0.15% |
| Color‑changing drinks | Butterfly pea lemonade | Instant response to pH change (visible within 5 sec) | 0.1 – 0.3% |
| Dairy alternatives | Blue almond milk, oat milk | Homogenization recommended; no protein precipitation | 0.1 – 0.25% |
| Carbonated soft drinks | Blue soda, cola alternative | Degassing required before addition; stable at pH 2.8 – 3.2 | 0.05 – 0.1% |
Formulation tip for clear beverages: Pre‑dissolve powder in a small volume of 50°C water (1:10 ratio), then add to bulk. Filter through 1 μm if absolute clarity is required.
Confectionery
| Sub‑category | Product examples | Heat stability | Dosage guide (w/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard candies | Blue raspberry drops | Short‑term up to 150°C (pour at 130°C) | 0.1 – 0.5% |
| Gummies / jellies | Ocean‑blue gummy sharks | Up to 90°C for 10 min; add after gelatin dissolution | 0.2 – 0.6% |
| Chewing gum | Blue mint pellets | Stable through extrusion; no migration | 0.1 – 0.3% |
| Marshmallows | Blue clouds | Add at whipping stage; stable at neutral pH | 0.15 – 0.4% |
| Chocolate coatings | Blue drizzle for desserts | Oil‑soluble grade available; stable up to 40°C | 0.2 – 0.5% |
Bakery
| Sub‑category | Product examples | Heat stability | Dosage guide (w/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icings & glazes | Donut glaze, cookie icing | Stable at 180°C (350°F) for 5 min | 0.2 – 0.8% |
| Cake batters | Blue velvet cake | Bake at 175°C, color shifts slightly toward green‑blue | 0.1 – 0.3% |
| Macarons | Blue moon shells | Add to meringue; color holds after baking | 0.2 – 0.5% |
| Bread / pastry | Colored croissant layers | Lamination application; minimal heat degradation | 0.1 – 0.2% |
Dairy & Frozen Desserts
| Sub‑category | Product examples | Stability notes | Dosage guide (w/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice cream | Blueberry swirl | Add to syrup base; stable through freezing | 0.05 – 0.2% |
| Yogurt | Color‑changing fruit on bottom | Maintains blue at dairy pH (~4.5) | 0.1 – 0.3% |
| Pudding | Blue vanilla pudding | Stir thoroughly; no syneresis | 0.1 – 0.25% |
| Cheese | Blue marbled cheese spreads | Oil‑soluble grade recommended | 0.05 – 0.15% |
Cosmetics & Personal Care
| Sub‑category | Product examples | pH stability | Dosage guide (w/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampoo / conditioner | Blue toning shampoo | Stable pH 5.0 – 6.5 | 0.2 – 1.0% |
| Facial masks | Blue clay‑look mask | Water‑soluble grade; add at 40°C | 0.3 – 1.5% |
| Soap (melt & pour) | Ocean wave soap | Stable up to 70°C; avoid high alkaline (pH>9) | 0.2 – 0.8% |
| Lip balm | Blue tinted balm | Oil‑soluble grade; stable pH 5.5 – 7.0 | 0.1 – 0.5% |
Application Starter Kit – Detailed Contents
Free technical resources for qualified formulators:
| Item | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Powder sample | Pure butterfly pea extract (≥40% anthocyanins) | 200 g |
| Carrier‑customized sample | Optional: maltodextrin, acacia gum, or tapioca | 100 g |
| pH color transition demo set | Buffers at pH 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0 with color cards | 4 × 50 mL |
| Accelerated stability report | 40°C / 75% RH for 6 months (data + charts) | |
| Real‑time stability data sheet | 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 months | |
| FDA GRAS Notice GRN 001205 | Full submission document | |
| EFSA Novel Food compliance dossier | Summary + authorization letter | |
| Sample formulation guide | Beverage, gummy, icing, soap – full recipes | |
| COA + specification sheet | Batch‑specific | |
| SDS (Safety Data Sheet) | In 24 languages |
How to request: Use the contact form or email our technical sales team with your company name, application category, and estimated annual usage.
Technical Partnership Program
We support product development from lab scale to full production:
| Service | Description | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Color matching | Match any Pantone shade using butterfly pea + other natural colors (spirulina, curcumin, beet) | 5‑7 business days |
| Sedimentation fixes | For clear beverages: nanoemulsion or microencapsulated grades | 2‑3 weeks |
| pH optimization | Recommend buffer systems to lock in desired color | 3‑5 business days |
| Co‑development | NDA‑protected joint development for proprietary blends | Custom |
| Regulatory support | Co‑packaged EFSA / FDA / CFIA / ANVISA documentation | 1‑2 weeks |
| Stability testing | 3‑month accelerated study on your final product | 3 months (fee applies) |
Why SRBio Butterfly Pea Powder?
| Feature | SRBio advantage | Industry typical |
|---|---|---|
| Anthocyanin content | ≥40% (HPLC) | 10 – 25% (often as 10:1 extract ratio) |
| Shelf life | 24 months with >94% retention | 12 months, then significant fading |
| pH responsiveness | Clear, predictable transition (ΔE >30 across range) | Less vivid transition, narrower range |
| Heat stability | Stable up to 80°C (beverage), 150°C (short‑term confectionery) | Degrades above 60°C |
| Solubility | >99% in 60 sec (cold water) | Requires warm water or longer agitation |
| Traceability | Blockchain from farm to powder | Batch‑only traceability |
| Regulatory readiness | FDA GRAS + EFSA + China + Japan + Korea | Often only domestic approval |
| Carrier options | Pure, maltodextrin, acacia, tapioca, or custom | One or two options |
| Price stability | Vertically integrated – fixed pricing for 12 months | Volatile, linked to spot market |
Ordering & Logistics Information
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum order quantity (MOQ) | 1 kg |
| Sample order | 100 g free (shipping fee applies outside China) |
| Standard packaging | 25 kg net in double HDPE drum with food‑grade liner |
| Small packaging | 1 kg, 5 kg aluminum foil bags (MOQ 5 kg) |
| Lead time (stock item) | 3‑5 business days |
| Lead time (custom carrier/particle size) | 15‑20 business days |
| Shipping terms | EXW (Kunming, China), FOB (Shanghai), CIF, DDP |
| Port of loading | Shanghai / Ningbo |
| Documentation | Commercial invoice, packing list, COA, COO,提单, phytosanitary (if required) |
Frequently Asked Questions (Technical)
Q: Is butterfly pea powder heat‑stable for pasteurization?
A: Yes. It withstands HTST pasteurization (72°C, 15 sec) with <5% color loss. UHT (135°C, 2‑4 sec) causes 10‑15% loss; we recommend aseptic addition post‑UHT.
Q: Can I use it in clear beverages without sedimentation?
A: Yes, when pre‑dissolved and filtered. For absolute clarity, request our nano‑micronized grade (particle size <5 μm).
Q: How does it compare to spirulina blue?
A: Spirulina (phycocyanin) provides a truer royal blue but is heat‑sensitive (>60°C) and expensive. Butterfly pea offers pH‑adaptive color, better heat stability, and 40‑50% lower cost per color value.
Q: Does it contain any preservatives?
A: No. The powder itself is stable due to low water activity (aw <0.3).
Q: Is it suitable for organic products?
A: Yes. Our USDA / EU organic certified grade is available (minimal additional lead time).
Q: Can you supply a custom blend with other natural colors?
A: Yes. We regularly blend with spirulina (green‑blue), curcumin (yellow‑green), beet (red‑purple), and caramel (brown).
Contact SRBio Technical Sales
Email: ingredients@plantextractssr.com
Web: www.plantextractssr.com
Shipping & Packing Information
OEM SERVICE
We offer all-inclusive product development from consultation to delivery.
We make product proposals based on the customer’s requirements, from small to large lots.
