As a leading B2B supplier of specialty botanical ingredients, we offer Premium Butterfly Pea Flower Powder - a 100% natural, vibrant blue-to-purple pigment derived from the dried blossoms of Clitoria ternatea (commonly known as butterfly pea or Asian pigeonwings). With exceptional pH‑sensitive color‑shifting properties and a growing body of research on its antioxidant and cognitive benefits, this versatile powder is rapidly becoming the clean‑label colorant of choice for manufacturers in the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries worldwide.
Why Butterfly Pea Flower Powder Stands Out
Natural, Plant‑Based Origin:
Our butterfly pea flower powder is produced from hand‑picked, fully matured flowers grown on sustainable farms in tropical regions (Southeast Asia, South Asia). The flowers are gently dried and milled without the use of synthetic carriers, preservatives, or artificial colors, preserving their full anthocyanin profile.
Key Product Differentiators:
100% pure flower powder – no maltodextrin, silicon dioxide, or other flow agents
Vibrant natural blue at neutral to alkaline pH (pH ≥ 5)
Dramatic pH‑sensitive color change – turns purple/violet in acidic conditions (pH ≤ 4)
Rich in bioactive anthocyanins (ternatins) – potent antioxidants
Caffeine‑free and non‑GMO – ideal for clean‑label, vegan, and health‑focused products
Heat‑ and light‑stable under recommended processing conditions
The Science of Color & Functionality
Anthocyanin Profile & pH Sensitivity
The intense blue color of butterfly pea flower comes from a unique class of anthocyanins called ternatins – polyacylated anthocyanins that are naturally more stable than common fruit anthocyanins (e.g., from blueberries or purple sweet potato).
| pH Range | Color | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| pH ≥ 5.0 (neutral to alkaline) | Bright cobalt blue | Stable blue quinonoidal base form |
| pH 4.0–4.9 | Lavender / violet | Transition state |
| pH ≤ 3.5 (acidic) | Magenta to pink | Flavylium cation (red/pink) |
This natural pH indicator property creates visual impact and interactive consumer experiences – an unmatched marketing advantage for beverages, candies, and desserts that change color when lemon juice or other acids are added.
Bioactive & Health Benefits
Butterfly pea flower has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine for centuries. Modern research confirms several functional benefits:
Antioxidant capacity: The ternatins in butterfly pea flower exhibit strong free‑radical scavenging activity, with an ORAC value comparable to other high‑anthocyanin botanicals.
Cognitive & nootropic support: Animal and preliminary human studies suggest improved memory, reduced anxiety, and neuroprotective effects via acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant mechanisms.
Eye health: Rich in proanthocyanidins and flavonoids that support retinal health and reduce oxidative stress.
Skin health: Topical and oral use may support collagen integrity and protect against UV‑induced damage.
These benefits allow formulators to create products that are not only visually striking but also functionally differentiated – appealing to health‑conscious consumers.
Technical Specifications & Quality Standards
Our butterfly pea flower powder meets strict international quality requirements for food, supplement, and cosmetic use.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Fine, free‑flowing powder, deep blue to violet | Visual / USP |
| Color Value (E1%1cm @ 620 nm) | ≥ 3.5 (for blue intensity) | Spectrophotometry |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 8.0% | Gravimetric (USP <731>) |
| Ash Content | ≤ 6.0% | USP <281> |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 6.5 (blue) | pH meter |
| Solubility | Fully dispersible in water, clear solution | Visual |
| Particle Size | 100% through 80 mesh; ≥95% through 120 mesh | Sieve analysis |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 0.5 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ICP‑MS |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g | ISO 4833 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | ISO 21527 |
| E. coli | Negative | USP <62> |
| Salmonella | Negative | USP <62> |
Certifications Available:
Conventional (standard) and Organic (USDA / EU) options
Non‑GMO Project Verified
Kosher & Halal certified
ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP production
Ethically sourced, pesticide monitoring compliant with EU and US limits
Global B2B Applications
1. Food & Beverage (Most Popular)
| Category | Application Examples | Usage Level (w/w) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beverages | RTD teas, lemonades, mocktails, functional waters, energy drinks, wellness shots | 0.05 – 0.3% | Color shift with citrus addition; stable in cold‑fill or ambient |
| Confectionery | Gummies, hard candies, jellies, marshmallows, frosting | 0.1 – 0.5% | pH control critical for consistent blue |
| Dairy & Plant‑Based | Yogurt, ice cream, smoothie bowls, plant‑based milk drinks | 0.05 – 0.2% | Acidic fruits may turn purple – design accordingly |
| Bakery | Glazes, icings, cake batters, cookies, breads | 0.1 – 0.4% | Heat stability up to 200°C short exposure |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Gins, vodkas, cocktail syrups, hard seltzers | 0.02 – 0.1% | Premium "mood‑changing" cocktail ingredient |
2. Nutraceuticals & Supplements
| Application | Dosage (per serving) | Functional Angle |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive / Nootropic formulas | 200 – 500 mg | Memory, focus, stress relief – pairs with Bacopa, Lion's Mane |
| Eye health blends | 150 – 300 mg | With lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry |
| Antioxidant complexes | 100 – 250 mg | Clean‑label, plant‑based antioxidant boost |
| Beauty‑from‑within (skin health) | 200 – 400 mg | Collagen support, UV protection narrative |
| Sleep & relaxation formulas | 150 – 300 mg | Natural calming effect (traditional use) |
Formats: Capsules, tablets, chewable gummies, powder sticks, effervescent tablets.
3. Cosmetics & Personal Care
Skincare: Face masks, serums, toners – antioxidant and soothing claims
Color cosmetics: Natural blue/purple eyeshadows, lip balms, eyeliners
Hair care: Rinses, shampoos for color‑treated or dull hair
Bath & body: Soaps, bath bombs, shower gels – natural color & mild exfoliation
Usage: 0.5% – 5.0% depending on desired tint and product matrix.
Formulation Guidelines for Success
Achieving Stable Blue Color
Target final product pH: 5.0 – 7.0 for true blue.
Avoid strong acids (citric, malic, ascorbic) in high concentrations; if needed, add just before consumption for the "color‑change" effect.
Chelating agents (EDTA, sodium phytate) can improve stability in hard water.
Buffering systems (trisodium citrate, phosphates) help maintain pH.
Heat & Light Stability
Heat: Butterfly pea anthocyanins are more heat‑stable than many fruit anthocyanins. Short exposure to 80–90°C (e.g., hot‑fill beverages) is acceptable. Extended boiling (>10 min) may cause degradation.
Light: Protect finished products from direct sunlight using amber glass or opaque packaging to retain color intensity over shelf life.
Flavor Profile
Butterfly pea flower powder has a mild, earthy, slightly green‑tea‑like flavor with no bitterness. It does not overpower other ingredients, making it an ideal colorant for fruit, floral, herbal, and citrus profiles.
Dispersion Tips
Pre‑mix with a small amount of warm water to form a paste before adding to bulk solutions.
For dry blends (e.g., powdered drink mixes), use geometric dilution with other dry ingredients.
Why Source Butterfly Pea Flower Powder from Us?
1. Uncompromised Raw Material Quality
We work directly with farmers who practice sustainable, pesticide‑minimized cultivation in tropical growing regions. Flowers are hand‑harvested at peak color maturity (early morning) and quickly dried using low‑temperature dehydration to preserve anthocyanins.
2. Advanced Processing & Quality Control
Low‑temperature milling to prevent thermal degradation
Metal detection & sieve classification for consistent particle size
Microbiological & heavy metal testing per USP / EP standards
Batch‑specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) provided with every shipment
3. Supply Chain Reliability
Year‑round availability based on multiple harvest seasons
Scalable capacity from 20 kg samples to full containers (≥ 5 MT)
Flexible packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg foil bags; 25 kg cartons/drums
Global shipping with temperature‑controlled logistics (optional cooling for long‑distance transit)
4. Technical & Regulatory Support
Formulation assistance – advice on pH, stability, and usage levels
Custom milling (finer or coarser grind) available
Blending capabilities with other botanical powders or carriers
Documentation for export: CoA, MSDS, specification sheet, organic certificate (if applicable), origin certificate, phytosanitary (if required)
Market Trends & Consumer Demand
The global natural food color market is projected to exceed $3.0 billion by 2028, driven by consumer rejection of synthetic dyes (FD&C Blue #1, #2).
Butterfly pea flower powder is uniquely positioned because:
It offers both blue and purple from a single ingredient via pH adjustment.
It is "superfood" aligned – rich in antioxidants, no artificial chemicals.
It enables Instagram‑worthy visual effects (color‑changing teas, cocktails).
It is caffeine‑free and suitable for all ages.
Leading brands in Europe, North America, and Asia are already using butterfly pea flower powder in:
"Unicorn" and "mermaid" themed foods & beverages
Functional sparkling waters
Relaxation / sleep tea blends
Natural candy and gummy lines
Premium botanical cocktails
How to Order – Samples & Bulk
Available sample sizes: 20 g, 50 g, 100 g (free for qualified buyers, shipping fee may apply)
Bulk orders: Starting from 25 kg; discounts for MT+ quantities
Lead time:
Samples: 3–5 business days
Bulk (≤ 500 kg): 7–10 business days
Bulk (≥ 1 MT): 15–20 business days
Payment terms: T/T, L/C, D/P (negotiable for long‑term partners)
Contact our B2B team today to discuss your application, request a technical data sheet, or place an order.
Frequently Asked Questions (B2B)
Q: Is butterfly pea flower powder water‑soluble?
A: Yes, it disperses easily in water, producing a clear blue solution. It is not oil‑soluble.
Q: Does it contain caffeine?
A: No. Butterfly pea flower is caffeine‑free.
Q: Can I use it in carbonated beverages?
A: Yes, but adjust pH and use a buffer system to maintain blue color. Carbonated soft drinks (pH 2.5–3.5) will turn purple/pink unless neutralized.
Q: Is it approved for food use in the US and EU?
A: Butterfly pea flower extract is not currently listed as a certified color additive in the FDA's 21 CFR, but it is generally recognized as a natural ingredient and used as a "fruit/vegetable juice" colorant in many applications. In the EU, it is not assigned an E number but is permitted as a traditional food ingredient. We provide regulatory guidance for each target market.
Q: What is the shelf life?
A: 24 months from production when stored in original sealed packaging at cool, dry conditions (below 25°C, away from light).
Partner with Us – Your Trusted Butterfly Pea Flower Powder Supplier
With years of experience exporting botanical ingredients to over 30 countries, we are committed to delivering consistent quality, transparent documentation, and responsive service. Let us help you create vibrant, clean‑label products that capture consumer attention and loyalty.
Contact us now for a quote or sample request.
SEO Keywords: Butterfly Pea Flower Powder B2B, Natural Blue Food Colorant, Clitoria Ternatea Extract, pH Sensitive Color, Clean Label Color Supplier, Anthocyanin Rich Powder, Functional Beverage Ingredient, Nutraceutical Colorant, Natural Purple Coloring, Bulk Butterfly Pea Powder.