Even doctors and nutritionists will recommend people to include foods with different colors in their diet especially fruits and vegetables.
Understanding what does color of food mean will help you learn how it can affect your appetite and influence the consumers.
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A Comprehensive Guide on What Does Color of Food Mean
You may not be aware of it but there is also a trend with regards to the latest food craze. However, that trend will not last that long.
Usually, our brain will develop a connection between the color and the main ingredients of the food. We expect our strawberry cake to be red or at least pink.
You won’t probably eat a strawberry cake if it has a bluish-green color. The meaning of the color of food has been influenced by culture and tradition, beliefs, and personal experiences.
Red Means Spicy
As aforementioned, the meaning of the color of food can be influenced by culture. For instance, in Eastern Asia, particularly in China, red has always been linked to luck and fortune.
Red pertains to vitality and power. It can also ignite a person’s passion. In terms of food, red is an indication that it is spicy or hot.
There are also different foods with this color such as cherries, strawberries, and tomatoes. Since red is also associated with libido and lust, some foods with red color are also considered aphrodisiac.
Red peppers and red chilis are known for stimulating the sexual organ. It will help us get us in the mood. Red is a symbol of love.
It is common to see red-colored food during Valentine’s Day. In the West, red is being used in the food industry since it can invigorate appetite. In Southern Africa, red is related to mourning.
Yellow Nourishes
People in the east believed that yellow is a nourishing color. In India, yellow symbolizes love, comfort, and warmth.
One of the most common ingredients of curry, a popular Indian cuisine, has a yellow color. Apart from that, turmeric also delivers a range of health benefits.
It is packed with antioxidants. It is also part of the Indian wedding ceremony. This is conducted since they believe that yellow can purify the mind and body. It is the color of the sun that also influences our energy level.
Orange is Appetizing
Oranges are related to citrus fruits that are packed with vitamins and minerals. Orange gives us warmth like yellow and it also stimulates our appetite like red.
It is flamboyant and vibrant. Orange is connected with the autumn season. It is energetic and inspiring that can encourage conversation between two people.
Some of the renowned foods with orange color are salmon, peach-colored juice, and orange juice.
Blue Can Reduce Our Appetite
If you have a business in the food industry, you should stay away from blue colors. Whether it is for food packaging or marketing material, it is best to consider other colors apart form blue.
Aside from the blueberries, blue will not appear naturally on organic matters especially on food. Usually, once the food turned blue, this is a sign that mold growth is present on the food.
Nonetheless, when it comes to sweets and candies, blue and pink have become the latest trend in food presentation. Blue can also mean relaxation, comfort, wellness, and health.
White is Inorganic
White is another color that is rarely used on foods. Often, this is a sign that food is bad for our health.
This color is usually an indication that food has gone through a long manufacturing and refining process.
Nonetheless, in other cultures, this can also be a symbol of purity. This means that food can have low-fat content which is good for those who want to lose weight.
Brown Is Organic
Brown, on the other hand, is a sign that food is organic. These are some of the most common colors of food that we eat such as bread and meat.
Certain types of beans also have this color. It is the color of the earth that has the quality of humility, but it also stands for luxury such as deep brown steaks.
Apart from that, brown can mean reliability. Since it carries the attributes of mother earth, brown can indicate health. Therefore, it is not impossible to find brown in the wellness industry.
Green is Good for Your Digestive System
If we are talking about ‘organic food’, green is certainly the first color that will cross your mind. It is the common color of the vegetables.
It has a soothing property that is also good for our digestion due to its high fiber content. Green is known for its calming and rejuvenating properties.
Leafy vegetables, peas, and other vegetables that are rich in chlorophyll such as kale, lettuce, and spinach are rich in minerals and vitamins that are necessary to keep our body strong and healthy. Green food usually indicates that you are eating a healthy meal.
Purple is Luxurious
Purple has always been associated with luxury and royalty even from an early age. It also carries a sense of mystery.
Some of the most common examples of foods with purple color are grapes, bilberry, eggplants, figs, cabbages, and blackcurrants. Purple color is an indication that food contains a high level of antioxidants that fights the formation of free radicals. It is also rich in nutrients that prevent heart diseases such as anthocyanins.
Colors on Food Packaging
With regards to the appearance of the food, the color is the first thing that we will notice. You will be surprised to know that about 90% of the purchasing decision will be based on the food’s visual factor.
More than 85% of the consumers revealed that color plays a significant part when purchasing the food product.
Since you finally understand that food color can influence the behavior of the customer, the manufacturer can take advantage of this by using the right colors on the food packaging.
Here’s how some colors can be used in terms of packaging.
Red
This is the color of vitality and power. It is being used in packaging to capture the interest of the consumers.
It will not only stimulate their appetite, but it is a vibrant color that is hard to ignore. It is not surprising that red is the most popular color used for food packaging.
Blue
This pertains to trust. While this may look unappetizing, this can still be the best choice if you want to establish trust and loyalty among your consumers.
For a more effective option, we recommend the use of the darker blue. It emanates a sense of professionalism. Lighter blue, on the contrary, evokes softness.
Yellow
Aside from energy, yellow can also encourage positivity. When used in packaging, it will inspire other people to think that a food product is creative and original.
Since this color is known for releasing positive energy, it can easily draw the attention of teenagers and kids.
Green
If you want people to know that you are offering a healthy food variant, then green is the best choice for your food packaging.
Purple
Purple implies that you have a unique product. It is also a good packaging if the product is linked to spirituality.
You should also remember that purple can be an effective marketing color if your targeted markets are youths and females.
Orange
If you want the consumers to know that you have a cost-efficient product, you should use an orange packaging. It does not only mean affordability, but it also highlights the value of the product.
Black
Food products that are packed in black will appear to be heavier and more expensive. This means that black has the capacity to increase the perceived value of the food.
Black will often be used on premium items such as ice cream, chocolates, and chips. You may also pair it with other colors.
White
With regards to food packaging, white is the color of simplicity. It is pure, basic, and safe that makes it an excellent choice for those who don’t want to take a risk.
In addition, it also evokes a sense of cleanliness and purity. Just like black, you can also combine it with different colors.
Conclusion
You are probably wondering why most people will be picky when it comes to the color of their food. most people will eat first using their eyes.
You will be surprised that people with a condition of autism will refuse to eat food with a certain color. They tend to associate the color of the food with texture.
This proves the association of our brain and the color of the food. Therefore, understanding what does color of food mean is important especially if you are offering a food product or you are opening a restaurant business.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article !