Purple carrots
Some of ADM's anthocyanin extracts originate from purple carrots.

CHICAGO — Archer Daniels Midland Co. has introduced a line of extracts that deliver a concentrated dose of antioxidant compounds beta-carotene and anthocyanins into a variety of food, beverage and supplement applications, the Chicago-based company said Oct. 19.

Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, is an essential nutrient that plays a role in maintaining eye and skin health, according to ADM. The company’s beta-carotene-rich vegetable extracts originate from carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes as well as paprika from chili peppers and Reishi mushrooms.

Anthocyanins are antioxidants that may help maintain a healthy immune system, according to ADM. The company’s anthocyanin extracts originate from purple sweet potatoes, purple maize, purple carrots, beets, rhubarb, tomatoes and red cabbage.

Mushrooms
Some of ADM's beta-carotene-rich vegetable extracts originate from Reishi mushrooms.

Potential applications for the extracts include beverages, confectionery items, frozen desserts, snacks, bars, baked foods and supplements.

“ADM has long been recognized in the industry as a reliable provider of nutritional ingredients, and we continue to expand our portfolio of natural-sourced products,” said Julio Lopez, Ph.D., nutrition research and innovation manager for ADM. “In the upcoming months, we look forward to introducing additional natural-sourced functional extracts to this line of product, allowing us to further enhance our ability to provide innovative, on-trend nutritional solutions for our customers.

“By leveraging this portfolio, our integrated raw material supply chain and our deep technical expertise, we can help customers transform and differentiate their products by adding nutrition while providing an optimal sensory experience.”