Chocolate dragées, which are often mistakenly called “Smarties,” have become one of the most popular and beloved snacks, especially among children and teenagers, because of their attractive colors and delightful taste. But have you ever wondered what has made these chocolate dragées so popular? The answer can be summed up in two words: chocolatey and colorful.
Colors and Their Impact on Food Choices
Colors are one of the most important sensory factors influencing consumers’ perception of food products. Attractive colors can shape people’s expectations about the quality and taste of a food item. Children, in particular, are more influenced than other groups by the appearance and color of foods; therefore, the use of safe and natural colors in food products becomes especially important.
In the past, food colors were mainly derived from natural sources. Our ancestors used fresh Turmeric to add color to stews, dried red pepper to make sauces more appealing, and beetroot to give foods a purple hue. Over time, with the expansion of ready‑to‑eat food culture and the increasing consumption of meals outside the home, the demand for a wider variety and larger quantities of food colorings grew. Since natural color sources were not available in all seasons and could only be grown in certain regions and climates—and because large amounts of these sources were required to produce vibrant colors on an industrial scale—many manufacturers turned to artificial colorants.
Food Colorings: Natural or Artificial?
Food colorings are generally divided into two main categories: natural colors and artificial colors.
Artificial Colors
Artificial food colors are produced in laboratories and made from chemical substances. These colors usually have a brighter, more attractive appearance and are often more stable from a chemical standpoint. However, using artificial colors can cause various health problems in people. These may include sensitivities and allergies, which can show up as skin symptoms such as redness, itching, or hives. In addition, these reactions may also occur as digestive symptoms, such as stomach pain and nausea.
On the other hand, studies have shown a link between hyperactivity in children and artificial colors. In this regard, 73% of the children who had hyperactivity and ADHD experienced a reduction in symptoms after eliminating foods containing artificial colors and preservative.
Natural Colors
Another category of food colorings is natural colors, which are extracted from plant and natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, plants, and insects. These colors not only make foods more beautiful and appealing, but they also often contain beneficial properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In other words, natural colorings may offer greater health benefits than artificial colors.
Key Features and Benefits of Natural Colors:
Source of Antioxidants:
Many natural colors contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Source of Vitamins and Minerals:
Natural colors are extracted from materials rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help supply the body with essential nutrients. These properties are particularly effective in strengthening the immune system and improving the body's physiological functions.
Reduction of Side Effects:
Unlike artificial colors, natural colors are free from harmful chemicals and have fewer side effects. This feature is particularly important for children, as their immune and digestive systems are still developing and are more sensitive to chemicals.
Considering the importance of consuming healthy foods, especially for children, the brand "Teen Ten" has decided to produce its chocolate dragées with natural colors. This allows people to enjoy delicious and attractive products without worrying about the consumption of chemical and artificial colors.
Sources of Natural Colors in Teen Ten Dragées
Let's take a look at some of the sources of natural colors used in the production of " Teen Ten " chocolate dragées:
- Red and Pink Color - Betanin
Beetroot is one of the main sources of the pigment Betanin. This pigment is used as a natural source to create red and pink colors in foods and beverages. - Green Color - Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a pigment responsible for producing the green color in plants. This pigment is found in most plants—especially leafy plants—and is known as the substance responsible for photosynthesis in plants. Chlorophyll is used in a wide range of products such as beverages, ice cream, sauces, candies, and more. - Yellow Color - Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active compound in Turmeric, known for its numerous health benefits. This pigment gives Turmeric its yellow color and acts as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has high thermal stability and is used in various foods and edible products such as cakes, jelly, ice creams, and more. - Orange Color - Carotenoids
Carotenoids are pigments that create orange, yellow, and red colors. They are found in various natural sources, including vegetables and fruits such as carrots, oranges, mangoes, and more. Carotenoids act as powerful antioxidants and help strengthen the immune system, support eye health, and improve skin health. - Black Color - Carbon Black
Carbon black creats the black color in food and edible products. Carbon black is produced through the carbonization of plant materials such as wood, cellulose derived from coconut husk, and the peels of other plants. Carbon black is a natural pigment that has no side effects for people’s health. It is used in various industries, including the food industry—for products such as ice cream, desserts, bread, and more— as well as in the cosmetics and personal care industry, such as mascara, eyeshadow, and lipstick, and also in the pharmaceutical industry.
Teen Ten: A Revolution in Chocolate Dragées
At Teen Ten, we believe that enjoying delicious treats should never threats your health. That is why we are dedicated to producing products that not only offer a delightful and tasty experience but are also completely safe for our consumers to enjoy.
Teen Ten places the health of our consumers at the forefront of everything we do. By emphasizing quality, we create products that cater to the needs and preferences of everyone. We believe that health and quality are the keys to long-term happiness and well-being.
