Measuring the Color of Protein Products

Measuring the colors of protein powders can be somewhat tricky because powder is a particulate product. Because of its powdery texture, some instruments will struggle to get the right measurement. They may need smooth, even samples that require time-consuming preparation and are prone to more inconsistencies. A machine capable of measuring powders will have appropriate mechanisms in place, such as the ability to average values for the inconsistent surface type.

Typically, color measurements in the food industry follow the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE), the Munsell color solid or our own Hunter L,a,b system. Systems like these are essential for creating objective measurements. What one person thinks is a rich, chocolatey brown might look more like a subdued "mocha" to someone else. Measurements obtained from precise color measurement devices, like a spectrophotometer, remove all subjectivity from the conversation. They also streamline quality control, since manufacturers can simply measure products against a reference for easy pass/fail results.

Types of Protein Color Measurement Instruments

To get those comprehensive measurements, you'll need a measurement instrument. Usually, these come in the form of colorimeters or spectrophotometers:

• Colorimeters: Colorimeters simulate how the human eye sees color and quantifies differences. They apply a light to the sample and measure how much of it reflects back through blue, red and green filters.
• Spectrophotometers: Spectrophotometers are more accurate and measure reflectance and transmission properties. They account for lighting changes across the whole spectrum and deliver much more comprehensive data, especially when working with translucent or uneven samples.

The Aeros Spectrophotometer

The Aeros Spectrophotometer is our recommended product for measuring protein powder color. This advanced no-touch measurement system is for non-uniform, textured samples and can measure 27.5 square inches in 5 seconds. Auto-height adjustment technology allows the Aeros Spectrophotometer to get an accurate non-contact reading of any protein powder sample.

This machine has the largest rotating sample platform on the market, allowing your team to measure a wide range of sample sizes. Aeros' smart technology also accommodates sample measurements inside the packaging.

With an easy-to-use touch-screen interface, the Aeros displays all color indices, scales and metrics. Intuitive workflows allow users to remain efficient, and individual workspaces reflect each user's needs. Smart communication and Wi-Fi connection allow users to send data through email and stream to their laboratory information management system (LIMS) and statistical process control (SPC).

Uphold accuracy standards and improve efficiency with Aeros.

Choose HunterLab for Your Protein Color Measurement Tools

When it comes to creating consistent, appealing colors in protein products, the experts at HunterLab can help. With an array of spectrophotometers and decades of experience backing up our products, we can help you make protein color measurement quick, easy and dependable.

Please reach out to a representative today to learn more about the MiniScan EZ 4500 for color tests of protein!

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