Jagua blue
Jagua blue is a dark blue natural color made from the juice of the unripe fruit of Genipa americana, a tree native to Central and South America. Genipin in the juice is reacted with the amino acid glycine under mild heat, forming a blue polymer with some minor dimers. It is sold as a liquid or powder for dairy products, frozen desserts, candy, cereals and drinks.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Concentrated aqueous color at a stated color value.
Dried color, sometimes on a carrier, for dry mixes and coatings.
Combined with yellow colors to make greens or with reds for purples.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store liquids sealed and cool, away from light, and powders sealed and dry. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and aged stock is retested for color value.
Color value and shade can vary with fruit harvest and processing, so record color value for each lot and adjust dose. Rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.225 describes jagua (genipin-glycine) blue as made from the juice of unripe Genipa americana fruit by reacting genipin with glycine.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.225 permits jagua blue in listed foods including flavored milk, ice cream, candy, chewing gum and multicolored cereals, but not in standardized foods unless their standards allow added color.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.225 limits genipin to 20 mg/kg and arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury to 1 mg/kg each.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Jagua blue is exempt from FDA certification.
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.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Hellerup, Denmark
Sells it as Jungle Blue
Danish producer of natural food colors (formerly the Chr. Hansen natural colors division), with colors from spirulina, black carrot, red radish, sweet potato, red beet and jagua fruit for food and beverage makers.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include liquid, powder and blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect color value, residual genipin, heavy metals, solids and pH and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store liquids sealed and cool, away from light, and powders sealed and dry. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and aged stock is retested for color value.
21 CFR 73.225 describes jagua (genipin-glycine) blue as made from the juice of unripe Genipa americana fruit by reacting genipin with glycine. 21 CFR 73.225 permits jagua blue in listed foods including flavored milk, ice cream, candy, chewing gum and multicolored cereals, but not in standardized foods unless their standards allow added color. 21 CFR 73.225 limits genipin to 20 mg/kg and arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury to 1 mg/kg each. Jagua blue is exempt from FDA certification.
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