Discover Premium Monascus Red Powder
Monascus Red Powder, also known as Red Yeast Rice Pigment, is the world’s only natural food colorant produced through microbial fermentation. As a secondary metabolite of Monascus purpureus, it is derived from rice and soybeans using China’s centuries-old red yeast rice fermentation tradition, combined with modern liquid-state fermentation and advanced biological separation technology.
This results in a vibrant, non-toxic, and highly stable natural pigment that meets the growing global demand for clean-label, plant-based colorants in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Monascus Red Powder appears as a deep purplish-red crystalline powder with a slight characteristic odor. It is insoluble in oils and non-polar solvents but demonstrates excellent solubility in ethanol, propylene glycol, and their aqueous solutions. Solubility decreases notably in acidic environments around pH 4.0.
Key technical parameters include:
- Melting point: 160–192°C
- Maximum absorption wavelength: 490 ± 2 nm (in aqueous solution), 470 nm (in ethanol)
- Color presentation: bright red in thin layers; black-brown with fluorescence in concentrated layers
The pigment exhibits outstanding stability across a wide pH range and shows strong resistance to common metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺), 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, vitamin C, sodium sulfite, and other oxidizing or reducing agents. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for complex food matrices and multi-ingredient formulations.
Raw Material Source and Production Process
Our Monascus Red Powder is carefully produced from high-quality red yeast rice (Monascus-fermented rice). The modern manufacturing process follows strict GMP standards and includes:
Red yeast rice → Grinding → Ethanol extraction (70%) → pH adjustment (to 8.0) → Extraction (24 hours) → Centrifugation → Concentration → Vacuum drying (45°C) → Standardization → Final product
This controlled extraction and purification process ensures consistent color value, high purity, and excellent batch-to-batch stability. Every step is fully traceable, supporting supply chain transparency for international buyers and brand owners.
Functional Benefits and Industry Applications
Beyond its vivid coloring power, Monascus Red Powder offers functional advantages including heat stability, light resistance (within typical application ranges), and compatibility with a broad spectrum of food systems.
It is widely used in:
- Meat products (especially sausages, where it significantly enhances visual appeal and product grading)
- Fermented foods (soy products, fermented bean curd, soy sauce)
- Beverages and wines (rice wine, fruit juices, functional drinks)
- Bakery and confectionery (cakes, candies, cold drinks)
- Nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals
- Natural cosmetics (lipsticks, creams, and personal care formulations)
Its clean-label status and fermentation-derived origin make it particularly attractive for manufacturers developing “natural,” “organic,” and “free-from-synthetic” product lines.
Product Specifications
Product Name: Monascus Red Powder
Color Value (E1%1cm, 460nm): ≥100 (typical value 150.3)
Appearance: Dark red crystalline powder
Identification: Positive reaction
Heavy Metals: ≤10 ppm
Arsenic (As): ≤3 ppm
Lead (Pb): ≤2 ppm
Microbiological Quality: Meets international food-grade standards
Shelf Life: 2 years when properly stored in a cool, dry place away from light
Quality Assurance and Certifications
At Botanical Essence, quality and safety are non-negotiable. Our Monascus Red Powder is produced in ISO22000, HACCP, and cGMP-certified facilities. It holds international certifications including:
- HALAL
- Kosher
- EU Organic
- USDA Organic
We routinely conduct third-party testing through world-renowned laboratories such as SGS, Eurofins, and Pony Test. Full test reports for heavy metals, microbial limits, and color stability are available upon request.
Why Leading Manufacturers Choose Botanical Essence
- Technical Expertise: Over a decade of specialization in microbial fermentation and natural colorants
- Consistency: Advanced process controls guarantee stable color value and performance
- Traceability: Complete supply chain documentation from raw material to finished powder
- Customization: Flexible specifications and packaging options tailored to your formulation needs
- Global Supply Reliability: Strategic warehousing in the United States (Miami) and Europe (Italy) ensures fast, secure delivery
- Competitive Margins: Attractive pricing structures designed for long-term partnership with distributors, manufacturers, and brand owners
Service Commitment
We provide comprehensive support including:
- Free samples for laboratory testing prior to shipment
- Customized packing with pre-shipment photos
- Loading supervision with container photos
- Fast dispatch by reputable international carriers
- Responsive after-sales service and technical consultation
Partner with Botanical Essence
As a trusted supplier of high-purity natural pigments and functional ingredients, Botanical Essence is committed to helping global brands create cleaner, safer, and more appealing products. Whether you are a food manufacturer, nutraceutical formulator, cosmetic developer, or international distributor, our Monascus Red Powder offers the perfect combination of vibrant color, functional stability, and regulatory compliance.
Contact us today at [email protected] to request specifications, samples, or discuss your specific application requirements.
Botanical Essence – Where Tradition Meets Modern Extraction Technology.
