The creator behind Sugarpaste, Elizabeth Parvu, is an award-winning cake and sugar artist who chooses Parkway Jars when Packaging her FDA-approved Powdered Food Colors. 

In this blog post, she explains her FDA Approval Process and the benefits of using Plastic Jars for her Powdered Food Products.

Sugarpaste

Elizabeth started her business to give the sugar artist the best products for their designs. The company, Sugarpaste, manufactures their food products at their FDA registered food manufacturing facility in Indiana, outside Chicago. In addition to being FDA approved, Sugarpaste has also been Kosher Certified by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

Elizabeth started her cake decorating supply business Sugarpaste 19 years ago. Four year later (15 years ago), she added a division to the company named Crystal Colors. That division was going to become her best-selling products later on. Today, Sugarpaste offers powder food colors, stainless steel cutters, flavorings and silicone molds. Her products reaches users in cake supply stores and bakeries. Sugarpaste's products can also be found at grocery stores across the country. 

Common Questions Elizabeth Gets from her Customers:

1. Are the Crystal Colors food color or non-toxic color?

- Food Color

2. Are the Crystal Colors produced in a nut free facility?

- Yes

3. Are the Colors Kosher Certified?

-Yes

The Food Industry 

The food industry can be rather challenging at times. There are easier things to do here in life than to find a packaging solution that seals your new product. Luckily, Elizabeth shared a few tips and tricks that can be applied to businesses who aim to develop and sell a new product in the Food Industry. With strict FDA regulations, it becomes vital for businesses in the food industry to play by the rules. Many people out there believe that it’s a very complicated process, but playing by the FDA rules doesn’t have to get too complicated. 

1. Get FDA Approved

2. Check out all packaging options for your business.

3. Choose Heat induction liners as they are most tamper evident seals on the market!

The FDA Approval Process

Why is it important to be FDA approved as a food business? – “It's important to be FDA approved because it is the law”. If you’re new to the food industry and you need to package food in jars or containers, start the FDA approval process sooner than later. For Elizabeth it was pretty simple: "“We contacted the FDA, filled out forms, and agreed to be inspected at any time".

Fact: Luster Dust (sometimes mentioned in cake decorating communities) is not FDA Approved and cannot be manufactured at the same location. Luster dust is a cosmetic colorant and is not meant for human consumption.

Remember…..

1. That it’s important that you manufacture your food product in a FDA approved facility.

2. That your product must be FDA approved

3. That your plastic jars and caps should be FDA approved.

Starting a Food Business? Read FDA’s “How to Start a Food Business”.

Powder Jars for Food Packaging

Elizabeth explains that she chooses plastic jars over both tubes and other bottles because jars are easier to use and open. Elisabeth says, "there is a great advantage in having a packaging that is easy to open". She continues: "In the beginning, we were looking for a manufacturer that would have plastic jars in inventory and that could be ready for shipping in a timely manner. We found Parkway online and Parkway met the criteria we had." It was a good match. Elizabeth also points out is her very special relationship with Parkway Plastics. She says: “I’ve grown to Love Parkway and the staff!“.

Crystal Colors are packed in 33mm thickwall styrene jars from Parkway Plastics. Sugarpaste also package their food powders in Parkway's 2 ounce containers for larger jars of color.

Why The Right Liner is Important When Packaging Food Color

If you don't have the right liner, things can get messy. Especially if you are dealing with powders such as powdered food color. Elizabeth explains: "Heat induction liners keep the colors sealed inside the jars; whereas, Pressure sensitive liners allow the powdered food color to escape and make a mess of things." She sure knows what she is talking about! See the heat seal liners on the jars below.

If you want to learn more about Sugarpaste, visit www.sugarpaste.com.