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BASF’s nature-identical beta-carotene is suitable for multiple applications
Human Nutrition
An important nutritional ingredient and colorant
Beta-carotene is the major carotenoid in the human diet and well known among consumers as “provitamin A”. Carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes and apricots are typical dietary sources of beta-carotene, all of which obtain their yellow to orange color from this carotenoid.
In the human body, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A. In this way, beta-carotene contributes to vitamin A supply, particularly in people that focus on plant-based diets or otherwise have a low intake of preformed vitamin A. As provitamin A, beta-carotene supports healthy growth and development, reproduction, immune function, and vision.
Consumers are increasingly mindful of how food and beverages influence their overall well being, with a growing awareness of the link between diet and health. Beta carotene is a valued ingredient in food & beverage and dietary supplement applications. It is appreciated for its color contribution, nutritional relevance, and reliable functional performance.
BASF offers a broad portfolio of beta-carotene products including oily dispersions and powders suitable for multiple applications. Natural-source beta-carotene is sourced from Dunaliella salina algae. The nature-identical beta-carotene is produced by synthesis and identical to the beta-carotene found in nature.
Sources: NIH Fact Sheets for Health Professionals and for Consumers, Vitamin A (April 2026), Tufail T et al, 2024; IOM, Food and Nutrition Board: Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A (...). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001.
Please note, the above information is based on scientific knowledge and does not constitute an overview of authorized health claims.
Health and wellness food trends in Europe - statistics and facts | Statista; The conscious consumer – connecting with health and sustainability priorities | Deloitte; Beta Carotene Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth Report, 2034
What makes BASF’s nature-identical beta-carotene an excellent choice for your products and applications?
- Reliability:
- Verbund system based on the upstream integration with citral value chain
- Reliability enhancements through further investments in our assets and asset effectiveness
- Regular operational excellence programs of our assets, further implementation of digitalization
- Quality:
- Industry-related quality standards, e.g., FSSC 22000, HACCP
- Pro-active and transparent customer communication
- Active ingredient beta-carotene complies with all relevant monographs, e.g., Ph.Eur., USP, FCC, JECFA (INS 160a(i)) and EU (E 160a(i))
- Performance:
- High performance in relevant dietary supplement, food and beverage applications
- Powders:
Excellent dispersibility and stability in beverage applications; high stability in vitamin mineral tablets; very good flowability, easy to handle - Dispersions:
Lean ingredient formulations (with/without antioxidant)
- Sustainability:
- Round table of sustainable palm oil (RSPO) certification (selected products, as applicable)
- Efficient handling of resources enabled by the Verbund
- Quantified & certified Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data available
Opportunity for replacing artificial colors
Color plays a crucial role in the global food and beverage industry by shaping consumer perception and product appeal. As consumers become increasingly conscious of what goes into their food and beverages, the demand for healthier, more wholesome products - and transparent ingredient choices - continues to grow*.
BASF´s beta-carotene offers a compelling opportunity to replace artificial colors, delivering an excellent visual match from yellow to orange to red combined with consistent performance, high light stability, and consumer friendly labeling.
*Source: Natural coloring agents, global F&B trends. Consumers’ health
