Plant-based colors can be used to create viral beverage experiences that resonate with
today’s fast-paced Asia-Pacific consumers
Color brings new beverage experiences to life. Whether developing a core product or a limited-time offer, color is a vital storytelling device that helps consumers get a feel for a product before they take their first sip.
In most cases, color is used to influence flavor expectations and help consumers connect the dots.
But in today’s visual-first world, it plays an even bigger role. High-impact natural colors like deep reds, blues, and greens can help build buzz and deliver visual novelty. These trending shades catch the eye and create instant appeal, ensuring drinks are more likely to be shared on TikTok, Instagram, Xiaohongshu, Kakao, and beyond.
Research shows how bold color choices can be used to resonate with Asia-Pacific consumers.[1]
Blue, for example, is widely considered to be appealing in juice and juice drinks (84.3%), fizzy drinks (63%), flavored water (52%), and sports and energy drinks (51.2%). Many in the APAC region also see the appeal in product ideas such as gold fizzy drinks (41.3%), green flavored water (43.1%), and black sports and energy drinks (32.7%).
The importance of plant-based colors
Today’s consumers are conscious of what goes into their food and drinks. They want clean labels without compromising visual appeal.
EXBERRY® colors are the ideal solution. They are made from fruits, vegetables, and plants without the use of chemical solvents, helping ensure widespread consumer acceptance while futureproofing against regulatory change.
EXBERRY® can also be used to deliver a complete spectrum of bright, stable shades, and the concepts below have been developed to showcase the possibilities.
Developed by our expert culinary team, they pair trend-driven flavors with bold, natural colors.
EXBERRY® Yuzu Umeboshi Lemonade
A bold yuzu base meets a tangy-salty umeboshi plum swirl, delivering eye-catching color and a uniquely layered flavor experience.
How it was made
Yuzu lemonade provides a tart, aromatic citrus base, enhanced with natural yellow color from EXBERRY® turmeric concentrate. A vivid pink syrup made from umeboshi – Japanese pickled plums – adds a striking visual and a complex hit of tang, salt, and umami. The result is a dynamic beverage that’s as eye-catching as it is flavor-packed.
EXBERRY® Blackcurrant Tepache
A vibrant twist on traditional tepache, this fermented pineapple and blackcurrant beverage delivers tart, spiced complexity with natural probiotics for gut health.
How it was made
Pineapple cores and stems are fermented with water, brown sugar, spices, and currants. Naturally occurring wild yeast ferments the sugars, creating a tangy, lightly carbonated drink. After fermentation, the solids are strained out, and an EXBERRY® purple carrot and blueberry concentrate is added to enhance the visual richness of this deep, bold-hued beverage.
EXBERRY® Green Tea Lime Rickey
Gen Z and premium beverage consumers crave elevated flavors with a balance of refreshment and indulgence. This refreshing fusion of green tea, zesty lime, and smooth vanilla offers a sophisticated twist on classic flavors in a convenient, ready-to-mix format.
How it was made
Green tea powder and lime zest are combined with smoked sugar and vanilla to emulate bourbon notes in a tart iced tea beverage. Color is enhanced with EXBERRY® spirulina and turmeric concentrate.
EXBERRY® Red Fruit Tea Sangria
Inspired by the refreshing flavors of a summer sangria, this bold yet refreshing concept reimagines the classic by blending vibrant fruit purees with the earthy notes of green tea.
How it was made
The beverage starts with a green tea base, selected for its subtle tannic quality that mirrors wine. A mix of fresh and pureed fruits – cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, raspberry, and fresh pineapple – provides a bold, refreshing flavor. Orange zest adds a bright citrus note, while an EXBERRY® purple carrot and blueberry concentrate is included to achieve the rich, red-wine-like color of traditional sangria.
Experts in plant-based color
GNT is dedicated to partnering with brands throughout the entire product development process to ensure effective plant-based color solutions.
We have almost 50 years’ experience using colors made from fruits, vegetables, and plants in food and drink. Whatever your vision, EXBERRY® can help you make it a reality.
If you want to learn more about how to replace synthetic dyes with plant-based colors,
sign up for GNT’s beverage webinar HERE
[1] FMCG Gurus ‘Flavor, Color & Texture – Global’ (Q1 2025)
The above editorial is contributed by Miguel Bielders,
Marketing Manager APAC, GNT Group
For more information, click on: GNT Singapore
