Functional description. Phycocyanin is a water-soluble protein–pigment complex that provides clear, pure blue coloration unmatched by other natural colorants. Its shade is pH- and matrix-dependent: in neutral aqueous systems it reads as true blue; in the presence of yellow co-colorants or at lower pH it shifts toward teal and green. Its protein nature also introduces foaming and thermal-sensitivity considerations that the application lab addresses through formulation design.
Primary application areas. Candy and chewing gum (the original FDA-approved use categories), cold beverages and flavored waters, ice cream and frozen desserts, dairy analogs, jelly and gummy confections, and cosmetic applications. It is also used as a health-food ingredient and cosmetic additive.
