Fermentation astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma — deep red-purple powder in an amber glass bottle

Series: Fermentation-Derived

Fermentation Astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma — EarthHue Asta-Yeast 110

Astaxanthin (Yeast)Oil Suspension 3%

Overview

Astaxanthin produced by controlled fermentation of the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, then extracted and standardised into a free-astaxanthin oil suspension. The route removes harvest and seasonality from the supply chain, so assay and hue hold batch after batch and production runs all year. Delivers the same 3S,3′-S active molecule as Haematococcus at a lower cost per kilogram of active, in a grade built for food colouring, feed and nutraceutical formulations.

Specifications

Active contentAstaxanthin ≥3.0% (HPLC, 3S,3′-S isomer)
Source organismPhaffia rhodozyma (yeast), non-GMO
Production routeControlled batch fermentation in closed bioreactors
Product formOil suspension, free astaxanthin
ColourDeep red to red-purple
CarrierRefined sunflower oil + natural tocopherol
SolubilityOil-dispersible
E-numberE 161j (EU colour additive number). EU colour authorisations are source-specific — the source-specific dossier for our Phaffia-derived material is available on request. Haematococcus astaxanthin-rich oleoresin enters the EU separately as a novel food under Reg (EU) 2015/2283 and Impl. Reg (EU) 2017/2470 as amended by 2024/1026
CAS472-61-7
Typical use level0.05–0.5% (colour) / 4–12 mg/day (supplement); EFSA advises a maximum of 4 mg/day from H. pluvialis
StorageBelow 25 °C, protected from light
Shelf life24 months unopened
Minimum order1 kg

Applications

Food & Beverage ColourNutraceuticalFeed & AquacultureFunctional Drinks
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Frequently asked questions

Is yeast astaxanthin the same molecule as Haematococcus astaxanthin?
Yes. Both are 3S,3′-S astaxanthin, which is the naturally occurring isomer and the one that carries the biological activity. What differs is the production route and therefore cost, colour and supply profile: yeast astaxanthin is fermented in closed tanks, so it is available all year and costs less per kilogram of active, while Haematococcus is cultivated outdoors and harvested.
What is the typical assay and how do I specify it?
Our standard yeast astaxanthin suspension assays at 3.0% minimum by HPLC, with a premium 5.0% grade available. Specify the active content, the carrier, the form and the use level, and we will supply a specification sheet and a sample COA so your procurement file matches production.
Does yeast astaxanthin have a stronger colour than the algae grade?
Yeast astaxanthin can carry a slightly more purple-red hue than some Haematococcus grades at the same assay, because the pigment profile and the residual cell-wall lipids differ. That makes it a good fit for products where a warm red is wanted, and it is worth colour-matching both grades side by side in your own matrix — we supply both.
Is the Phaffia strain non-GMO and free of allergens?
Yes. The production strain is a non-GMO Phaffia rhodozyma strain maintained in our own strain bank, and the finished product is free of the major allergens. Source, allergen and GMO statements are issued with the shipment and can be placed directly into your technical file.

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