Water dispersible compositions containing natural hydrophilic water-insoluble pigments, methods of preparing same and their use

The present invention provides ready-to-use water dispersible compositions containing natural hydrophilic, water-insoluble pigments which are useful for the colouring of edible products and pharmaceutical products. Ready-to-use water dispersible pigment compositions containing waer-insoluble, hydrophilic pigments are provided. The compositions comprise a stable dispersion of the pigment such as a porphyrin pigment, carmine, curcumin and a carotenoid in the form of bodies of an average size which is at the most 10 m is provided. The pigment bodies are dispersed without the use of a surface active substance in an aqueous phase comprising a hydrocolloid. The natural pigment compositions which are useful for coloring of food products and pharmaceuticals do not migrate in the products and they are acid stable. The compositions are useful in coating compositions for tablets and dragees.