Grain Industry Colour Standards

Grains are integral to our everyday diets, from rice and flour to cereals, baked goods, and pasta. The colour of raw grains contributes directly to their nutritional value, while the colour of final goods can influence consumer buying preferences and quality perceptions. Understanding and following industry standards for grain colour helps manufacturers maintain quality control, reduce waste, and boost customer satisfaction.

Applicable Colour Standards in the Grains Industry

The United States Department of Agriculture is the main government oversight body for raw grains, and its colour standards are used for classification and grading. Colour can also help determine a grain's suitability for a specific application, as colour variances can indicate damage that falls outside allowable tolerances for certain purposes.

The Cereals and Grains Association is the primary industry organization that develops colour standards for grain manufacturers and processors. For example, the association has established colour benchmarks and measuring methods for pasta products and durum flours. These standards are also compatible with those issued by AOAC International, which upholds standards across the broader agricultural chemistry field.

The Scientific Way to Meet Colour Standards

While agencies like the USDA issue visual aids to evaluate colour, manual comparison is error-prone and subjective. Spectrophotometers solve those challenges by quantifying colour and spectral data with accurate measurements. These solutions analyze samples in seconds and compare them to common industry standards using the indices and colour scales you specify.

ColorFlex L2 from HunterLab is a powerful option for colour measurement at every production stage. We've designed this compact benchtop spectrophotometer for fast, easy data capture on multiple opaque substrates, including raw grains, starch, flour, and baking powder. Its innovative engineering uses 45°a:0° annular illuminated optical geometry to measure colour the way our eyes see it. ColorFlex L2  features an easy-to-read display and effortlessly integrates into Statistical Process Controls (SPCs) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) with a full connectivity suite.

Take colour intelligence even further with Aeros, the world's only smart spectrophotometer with a no-contact auto-height design. Aeros is ideal for nonhomogeneous samples with textured or nonuniform surfaces, including cereals and baked goods. Our solution automatically senses sample height and adjusts to it, preventing cross-contamination potential and protecting sensitive optics while reducing setup times. This solution also features the largest sample rotation platform and measuring area available — quantify colour across 27.5 square inches in 5 seconds to keep production moving and eliminate quality control bottlenecks.

Achieve Colour Consistency and Support Quality With HunterLab

HunterLab creates intelligent, technologically advanced solutions for quantifying colour that leverage over 70 years of expertise. Our entire selection of spectrophotometers helps modern manufacturers in demanding industries support quality control, conform to standards, and maintain colour consistency.

Connect with our experts for pricing details or advice on the right spectrophotometric device for your needs.