Bionutricia Extract is a JAKIM Halal-certified supplier of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) natural blue food colour, producing bulk water-soluble butterfly pea flower extract powder in Malaysia for B2B and OEM food, beverage and supplement manufacturers, with a Certificate of Analysis on every lot.
Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) is the most commercially-used natural blue food colour, and arguably the most halal-friendly alternative to synthetic FD&C Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue) and the algae-derived Spirulina blue. This page covers the technical behaviour of Butterfly Pea blue for F&B formulation.
The pH-responsive colour shift
The blue colour in Butterfly Pea comes from a group of anthocyanins called ternatins. Ternatins are pH-sensitive:
| pH range | Visible colour |
|---|---|
| pH < 4.5 | Pink to red-purple |
| pH 4.5–6.5 | Purple |
| pH 6.5–8.5 | Vivid blue (peak) |
| pH > 8.5 | Blue-green to green (degradation) |
This pH-responsive shift is what enables the “colour-changing cocktail” effect — adding lemon juice (low pH) shifts the colour from blue to purple to pink in real time. For brands wanting stable blue, control the pH to 6.5–8.0.
Heat stability
Ternatins are moderately heat-sensitive. Short exposure to 80–90°C (typical beverage pasteurisation) is acceptable with minor colour intensity loss. Sustained exposure above 95°C causes browning and significant intensity loss.
For beverage applications, add the Butterfly Pea extract post-pasteurisation (cold-blending into the cooled beverage) where possible.
Light stability
Anthocyanins in general are light-sensitive. For shelf-stable products, package in UV-blocking or opaque containers. PET bottles with UV-blocker have shown acceptable colour retention over 12-month shelf life in our customer trials.
Water-solubility
Butterfly Pea extract powder is highly water-soluble. Disperses cleanly in cold or warm water. Not lipid-soluble — for oil-phase applications, use an emulsified or microencapsulated variant.
Typical commercial spec
| Spec field | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Total anthocyanins (ternatins, HPLC) | ≥ 6% |
| Colour intensity (E1%/1cm at 580 nm) | ≥ 60 |
| Particle size (powder) | 80 mesh |
| Moisture | ≤ 5% |
| Heavy metals | Per Codex limits |
| Microbial | Per pharmacopoeia |
Halal positioning
Butterfly Pea is plant-derived and processed without alcohol or animal-derived processing aids at Bionutricia. We hold JAKIM HALAL supplier-level certification, making our Butterfly Pea suitable for export to GCC, Indonesia and observant Malaysian markets without further halal due-diligence.
For full product detail and spec sheets, see our Natural Food Colour page.
Butterfly pea natural blue food colour — bulk supplier
As a manufacturer, Bionutricia supplies butterfly pea flower extract as a natural blue food colour in bulk (1 kg, 5 kg, 20 kg) under JAKIM Halal, FSSC 22000, GMP, HACCP, MeSTI and US FDA registration. It is a clean-label, water-soluble, plant-based blue for beverages, confectionery, bakery, dairy and rice dishes — a halal- and vegan-friendly alternative to synthetic FD&C Blue 1. For full specification and ordering, see our butterfly pea flower extract powder monograph and bulk supplier guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who supplies butterfly pea natural blue food colour in bulk? Bionutricia Extract manufactures and supplies butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) natural blue food colour in bulk for B2B and OEM buyers from Malaysia, with a Certificate of Analysis per lot.
Is butterfly pea blue colour halal and vegan? Yes — it is a plant-derived colour produced under facility-level JAKIM Halal certification, suitable for halal and vegan formulation.
What food applications is it used in? Beverages, confectionery, bakery, dairy, jelly and rice dishes, as a natural alternative to synthetic blue dyes; the colour shifts to purple and pink as pH drops.
What pack sizes and MOQ are available? Pack sizes are 1 kg, 5 kg and 20 kg; MOQ and tiered pricing are provided on quotation.
How stable is the blue colour? It is water-soluble and pH-responsive; see the stability notes above for heat, light and pH behaviour and formulation guidance.
