Solid Fat and Sugar Industry Color Standards

Color is the most important indicator of quality perception and a primary influence on consumer buying decisions. Measuring the color of solid fats and sugars at each production stage helps manufacturers ensure consistent quality, freshness, and visual appeal that meets customer expectations. Conforming with the industry's standards and regularly assessing color also enables producers to identify potential production issues earlier to reduce waste.

Color Standards for Sugars and Solid Fats

The most recognized standard for color measurement in the sugar industry is the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA) 420 sugar score. This standard quantifies the yellowness of sugar in a filtered 50 Brix sugar solution using transmission.

Solid fats like shortening and chocolates often contain colorants for visual appeal. For example, manufacturers may add beta-carotene to achieve a pleasing golden color in butter-flavored shortening products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) governs added colorants and measurement standards to ensure these ingredients conform to Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Decorative colored sugars must also comply with these laws.

Meeting Industry Standards With Spectrophotometers

Visual color comparisons are not the best choice for quality control and assurance. Variables like human perception, fatigue, and environmental lighting make these assessments error-prone. Investing in a spectrophotometric solution is the best approach to accurate color quantification for standards conformity.

ColorFlex L2 is HunterLab's most innovative, compact, and versatile benchtop spectrophotometer for color measurement in solid fats and sugars. This equipment is fully compatible with translucent liquids and solids and opaque solids, powders, granules, and liquids for maximum sample flexibility.

Easily integrate the ColorFlex L2 into your workflows in minutes with user-friendly startup wizards that end lengthy training times. Ethernet ports simplify data migration and transfer to your Statistical Process Controls (SPCs) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Additionally, this spectrophotometer is an independent color workstation that eliminates the need for connection to an external PC. These features make the ColorFlex L2 the gold standard for accurate color measurement of powdered and granular sugars.

Manufacturers needing to quantify ICUMSA 420 via transmission can rely on the full-featured Vista for sugar solution analysis. This device features a removable door for extra capacity and a modular sample-handling design to simplify measurement and boost production efficiencies.

Aeros is the food industry's only intelligent solution for precise spectral and color data on substrates that differ in homogeneity. This spectrophotometer captures accurate measurements across 27.5 square inches and 35 points in 5 seconds with a no-contact design that reduces setup and cleanup time. Aeros automatically senses the sample and adjusts the sensor head height accordingly. This spectrophotometer also offers the biggest sample rotation platform available for fast, confident results.

Improve Color Measurement With HunterLab

HunterLab has led the industry in trusted color measurement systems for over 70 years. Our solutions are designed for exceptional accuracy to promote compliance with standards and support higher food quality, integrity, safety, and visual appeal.

Reach out to our team online for price quotes or expert advice on choosing the best spectrophotometer for your color measurement needs.