Gardenia blue
Gardenia blue suppliers and sourcing guide
Gardenia blue is a natural blue color made by reacting genipin, extracted from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, with soy protein hydrolysate. The reaction forms a genipin-peptide polymer that is the main coloring component. Suppliers sell it as liquid concentrates and powders; in the United States it is listed only for a defined set of beverages and candies.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Gardenia (genipin) blue · Gardenia jasminoides · Genipin blue
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of gardenia blue
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Liquid concentrate
Aqueous color at a stated color value, used in beverages and candy.
Powder
Spray-dried color on a carrier such as dextrin; FDA requires the label of the powder to declare any added ingredients.
Blends
Combined with yellow colors such as safflower or turmeric to make greens.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Color value
- Absorbance at the stated wavelength (E10%) by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the basis for dose and price.
- Residual genipin and geniposide
- Genipin and geniposide by HPLC against the limits in 21 CFR 73.168.
- Residual methanol
- Methanol by GC, limited in the regulation.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium by ICP-MS against the limits in 21 CFR 73.168.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, and pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.
- Allergen statement
- Confirmation of the soy protein source, since soy protein hydrolysate is a reactant.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store liquids sealed and refrigerated or cool, away from light, and powders sealed and dry. Color value drops with heat and light, so shelf life is set by the supplier specification and aged stock is retested for color value.
Lots and expiry dates
Color value and hue vary between lots, so record color value for each lot and adjust dose. Rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.168 describes gardenia (genipin) blue as made by reacting genipin from Gardenia jasminoides fruit with soy protein hydrolysate.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.168 permits gardenia (genipin) blue in sport drinks, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy and soft candy, among other listed beverages.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Gardenia (genipin) blue is exempt from FDA certification under 21 CFR 73.168.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.168 limits genipin to 5 mg/kg and lead to 2 mg/kg.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Gardenia blue suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking gardenia blue suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell gardenia blue? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of gardenia blue can brands buy?
Common forms include liquid concentrate, powder and blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for gardenia blue include?
Expect color value, residual genipin and geniposide, residual methanol, heavy metals, microbiology and allergen statement, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should gardenia blue be stored?
Store liquids sealed and refrigerated or cool, away from light, and powders sealed and dry. Color value drops with heat and light, so shelf life is set by the supplier specification and aged stock is retested for color value.
What is the regulatory status of gardenia blue?
21 CFR 73.168 describes gardenia (genipin) blue as made by reacting genipin from Gardenia jasminoides fruit with soy protein hydrolysate. 21 CFR 73.168 permits gardenia (genipin) blue in sport drinks, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy and soft candy, among other listed beverages. Gardenia (genipin) blue is exempt from FDA certification under 21 CFR 73.168. 21 CFR 73.168 limits genipin to 5 mg/kg and lead to 2 mg/kg.
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