Nix Pro 2 and Color Muse as potential colorimeters for evaluating color in foods

Abstract

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Color Muse and Nix Pro 2 colorimeters in measuring food color. To that end, measured color coordinates (L*, a*, b*, C*, and h*) of vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meats by Color Muse and Nix Pro 2 were compared to values obtained with a Minolta CR-400 colorimeter. In general, color space values obtained with Color Muse were greater than those of CR-400 and Nix Pro 2 (P < 0.05). In contrast, Nix Pro 2 color values were consistently lower (P < 0.05) than the CR-400. Regardless, all instruments were capable of precisely detecting relative differences in color across multiple food items varying in color and within food items exhibiting a color gradient. In support of this, the majority of values collected with Color Muse and Nix Pro 2 were highly correlated with those of CR-400 (R2 > 90%). Taken together, our data suggest that Color Muse and Nix Pro 2 are reliable instruments that can be utilized as alternatives to high-cost colorimeters in food color research.