Blue California has joined forces with biotech innovator Conagen on the commercialization of Rosavel, a next-generation natural preservation solution with 98 percent high-purity rosmarinic acid made by bioconversion without the color or flavor associated with rosemary.

Food and beverage manufacturers will now have access to a scalable natural preservative for complimenting healthy, clean-label ingredients in products.

Rosmarinic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound in the rosemary plant, which possesses natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it ideal as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. 

Overcoming shelf life and stability challenges
However, these crude extracts may accompany an intense rosemary flavor and color when used as a natural preservative.

Blue California solved this problem by developing a high-purity Rosavel, which the company claims stands out from other natural preservatives with its robust antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. 

A significant challenge for manufacturers is the shelf life and stability of products containing natural clean-label ingredients with a high propensity for spoilage. 

As consumer preference for “better-for-you” foods is on the rise, brands replac artificial preservatives with natural solutions in products.

Oxidation causes deterioration of food and beverages, which can lead to unpleasant smells, flavors, colors, and generation of unhealthy compounds. While the current solution is synthetic antioxidants such as BHA, BHT, TBHQ and EDTA, consumers are reluctant to purchase foods with artificial preservatives or additives that sound chemical.

“Rosavel is an ideal example of how Conagen is rapidly developing sustainable, nature-based ingredients to improve on existing options in the market. We are scaling-up and commercializing this and other similar novel ingredient solutions,” says Conagen’s vice president of innovation, Dr. Casey Lippmeier.

Starting with US Food and Drug Administration GRAS affirmation first with commercialization in 2021, Rosavel is headed for global regulatory approval.