Similar to OPCs, anthocyanins belong to the group of plant pigments (flavonoids). The term is comprised of the Greek anthos (= flower) and kyanos (= blue). They’re responsible for things like the dark purple colour of the aronia berry. Anthocyanins are natural antioxidants. They can bind to free radicals and neutralise them.

Antioxidants can neutralise free radicals by “voluntarily” giving up an electron without impairing the function and structure of body cells. There should be a balance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are contained in fruit and vegetables as minerals and polyphenols. One of their best-known vitamin forms is vitamin C; the best-known mineral antioxidants are zinc and selenium; and anthocyanin and OPC are polyphenolic antioxidants.

Aronia pomace is created by drying aronia skin (with the adhering flesh of the fruit) and pips. This is then broken down and crushed to retain most of the valuable substances. As a result, aronia pomace contains the highest amount of antioxidant plant pigments (anthocyanins and OPCs). This pomace powder is used in various types of products.