Overview
Acerola cherry extract powder is a high-potency botanical ingredient derived from the fruit of Malpighia glabra L. (family Malpighiaceae), widely recognized in the global nutraceutical and functional food industries as one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Unlike synthetic ascorbic acid, this extract delivers vitamin C alongside a natural matrix of complementary bioactive compounds, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), carotenoids, flavonoids, and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc.
The Extract Factory manufactures Acerola cherry extract powder through a controlled juice-extraction and spray-drying process, producing a free-flowing, light red powder with a vitamin C assay range of 17%–25%. The product is designed for use in dietary supplements, functional beverages, cosmetics, and food fortification — serving formulators, brand owners, and ingredient distributors worldwide who demand consistent quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
Botanical Source & Raw Material Origin
The raw material for Acerola cherry extract powder comes from the ripe fruit of Malpighia glabra L., a tropical shrub native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America — particularly regions of Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The fruit, also known as Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry, thrives in warm, humid climates and matures within 25–45 days after flowering.
Acerola cherries are harvested at peak ripeness, when ascorbic acid concentration is at its highest — typically reaching 1,500–4,500 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fresh fruit, depending on cultivar, growing conditions, and harvest timing. The Extract Factory sources high-quality Acerola fruit from established agricultural suppliers and subjects incoming raw material to identity verification and preliminary quality screening before processing begins.
Extraction & Manufacturing Process
The production of Acerola cherry extract powder follows a well-defined, scalable workflow:
- Fruit Selection & Washing — Only mature, undamaged Acerola cherries are accepted; foreign material and debris are removed through multi-stage washing.
- Juice Extraction — The fruit is pressed or macerated to obtain a concentrated juice rich in vitamin C and other water-soluble phytochemicals.
- Filtration & Concentration — The raw juice undergoes clarification and vacuum concentration to reduce water content while preserving heat-sensitive nutrients.
- Spray Drying — The concentrated extract is atomized in a spray dryer under controlled inlet and outlet temperatures, yielding a fine, uniform powder with low moisture content.
- Sieving & Blending — The dried powder is milled, sieved to a consistent particle size, and blended for uniformity across batches.
- Quality Testing & Packaging — Finished product is tested against specification before being sealed in moisture-barrier packaging.
This end-to-end process supports batch-to-batch consistency, a critical requirement for supplement manufacturers and private-label brands sourcing Acerola cherry extract powder at commercial scale.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Acerola Cherry Extract Powder |
| Botanical Name | Malpighia glabra L. |
| Plant Part Used | Fruit |
| Active Ingredient | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) |
| Appearance | Light red to reddish-brown fine powder |
| Vitamin C Assay | 17%–25% (HPLC method) |
| Drying Loss | ≤5% |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm |
| Agricultural Residues (Pesticides) | ≤2 ppm |
| Solvent Residue | ≤0.5% |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1,000 CFU/g |
| Mold & Yeast | ≤100 CFU/g |
| Extraction Technology | Juice extraction → Spray drying |
All specifications are verified through in-house and, where applicable, third-party laboratory analysis. The Extract Factory maintains a documented quality management system aligned with ISO 9001 standards.
Key Active Compounds & Nutritional Profile
Beyond vitamin C, Acerola cherry extract powder contains a broad spectrum of naturally occurring nutrients and phytochemicals that contribute to its functional versatility:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) — The primary active, functioning as a potent water-soluble antioxidant involved in collagen synthesis, immune modulation, and iron absorption.
- Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) — An enzymatic antioxidant that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals, supporting cellular oxidative balance.
- Carotenoids & Vitamin A Precursors — Contributing to skin health and visual function.
- B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, Niacin/B3) — Essential cofactors in energy metabolism.
- Bioflavonoids & Vitamin P Complex — These compounds help stabilize vitamin C against oxidative degradation and may enhance its bioavailability.
- Minerals — Including iron, calcium, zinc, and potassium, which play structural and metabolic roles.
This multi-component profile is a significant differentiator for formulators: Acerola cherry extract powder offers more than isolated ascorbic acid — it provides a synergistic blend of antioxidants and micronutrients that is difficult to replicate with synthetic ingredients alone.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Light red to reddish-brown |
| Odor | Characteristic fruity, mildly tart |
| Taste | Sour, acidic (typical of high-vitamin-C botanical extracts) |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water; partially soluble in aqueous ethanol solutions |
| Particle Size | Fine powder (typically 80–120 mesh, adjustable per customer request) |
| Moisture Content | ≤5% |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | Approximately 2.5–3.5 |
| Stability | Stable when stored in cool, dry, light-protected conditions; sensitive to heat, moisture, and prolonged light exposure |
The water solubility of Acerola cherry extract powder makes it straightforward to incorporate into liquid supplements, beverage premixes, and oral solutions. For dry formulations such as tablets, capsules, and powder blends, the extract can be blended directly with excipients — though compatibility testing is recommended for sensitive active ingredients due to the extract's inherent acidity.
Functional Benefits & Health Applications
Powerful Natural Antioxidant Support
Acerola cherries have long been referred to as the "King of Vitamin C" in the botanical extract industry. Per 100 grams of fresh fruit, Acerola can contain up to 2,445 mg of vitamin C — significantly exceeding the levels found in lemons (~40 mg), oranges (~68 mg), and kiwifruit (~100 mg). This exceptional concentration makes Acerola cherry extract powder one of the most efficient plant-based vitamin C ingredients available for supplement and functional food applications.
The antioxidant capacity of the extract extends beyond ascorbic acid alone. The combined action of vitamin C, SOD, carotenoids, and flavonoids provides multi-layered free-radical scavenging, which is relevant for:
- Skin care and cosmeceutical formulations — Supporting collagen maintenance, reducing oxidative stress in dermal tissues, and contributing to brightening and anti-aging product lines.
- Immune system support — Vitamin C is well established as a nutrient that contributes to normal immune function, particularly relevant for formulations targeting seasonal wellness.
- Prenatal and postnatal nutrition — Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those using hormonal contraceptives (which may deplete vitamin C levels), represent a key consumer segment for Acerola-based supplements.
Comprehensive Nutritional Supplementation
Acerola cherry extract powder provides a naturally derived matrix of vitamins (A, B1, B2, E, P/bioflavonoids, niacin), minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, potassium), and proteins — making it suitable for:
- Multivitamin and multimineral blends — As a whole-food-derived vitamin C source rather than synthetic ascorbic acid.
- Fitness and weight management supplements — Offering micronutrient density without excessive caloric load, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Nutrient-deficient populations — Where dietary intake of fruits and vegetables is insufficient.
General Wellness & Lifestyle Support
The Extract Factory's Acerola cherry extract powder is also positioned for the broader wellness market, including products aimed at:
- Individuals with weakened immunity or frequent fatigue.
- People experiencing gum bleeding or other signs of vitamin C insufficiency.
- Consumers with demanding lifestyles, sub-optimal dietary habits, or exposure to oxidative stressors such as tobacco smoke and alcohol.
Industry Applications
Acerola cherry extract powder is a versatile raw material across multiple sectors:
| Industry | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| Dietary Supplements | Capsules, tablets, softgels, gummies, effervescent powders, immune support blends |
| Functional Beverages | Juice drinks, smoothie mixes, energy shots, fortified waters |
| Food & Beverage Fortification | Cereals, bars, dairy alternatives, powdered drink mixes |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Serums, creams, masks, anti-aging treatments, brightening formulations |
| Animal Nutrition | Premium pet supplements and functional animal feed additives |
Formulators should note that the extract's acidity and color may influence the organoleptic profile of the final product. Buffering agents or flavor masking may be required in certain applications, particularly in neutral-pH or light-colored formulations.
Packaging, Shipping & Logistics
The Extract Factory offers flexible packaging and shipping solutions to accommodate orders ranging from sample quantities to full container loads.
| Cargo Weight | Packaging | Shipping Method | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Foil bag (sealed, moisture-barrier) | International Express (FedEx / DHL / UPS) | 7–10 days |
| 5–25 kg | Double-layer PP bag inside master carton or cardboard drum | International Express | 7–10 days |
| 100–200 kg | 25 kg/drum with double-layer PP bag liner | Air Freight | 7–10 days |
| Over 500 kg | 25 kg/drum with double-layer PP bag liner | Sea Freight (FCL / LCL) | 20–45 days |
All shipments are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and, where requested, a Certificate of Origin. The Extract Factory works with established global logistics partners to ensure on-time delivery and proper handling of sensitive botanical ingredients.
Quality Assurance & Certifications
Quality and consistency are non-negotiable in the plant extract supply chain. The Extract Factory operates under an ISO 9001-aligned quality management system and holds the following certifications:
- ISO 9001 — Quality management system certification covering production, testing, and distribution.
- Halal Certification — Enabling supply to markets with halal compliance requirements.
- Kosher Certification — Supporting distribution into kosher-certified product lines and markets.
The facility maintains four independent production lines — dedicated to both proportion (standardized) extracts and content (high-potency) extracts — staffed by experienced technical personnel and quality control specialists. Raw material inspection, in-process monitoring, and finished-product testing are conducted at every stage, ensuring that each batch of Acerola cherry extract powder meets defined specifications before release.
OEM & Custom Manufacturing Services
The Extract Factory provides full OEM and private-label support for brands and distributors seeking to develop proprietary products with Acerola cherry extract powder. With over 15 years of experience in the plant extract industry, the team offers:
- Custom specifications — Assay ranges, particle sizes, and moisture targets can be adjusted to meet your formulation requirements.
- Technical formulation guidance — Application-specific advice on dosage, compatibility, and stability for your target product category.
- Scalable production — From pilot batches to multi-ton annual supply, with consistent quality across volumes.
- After-sales support — Ongoing technical assistance, documentation, and responsive communication.
- Reliable logistics coordination — Professional partnerships with express carriers and freight forwarders to ensure timely delivery to your facility or distribution center.
Whether you are launching a new supplement line, reformulating an existing product, or sourcing a high-quality vitamin C botanical for cosmetic use, The Extract Factory is positioned to deliver.
Storage & Handling Recommendations
To preserve the potency and shelf life of Acerola cherry extract powder:
- Store in a cool, dry environment (ideally below 25°C / 77°F).
- Keep containers tightly sealed and protected from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or high humidity, which can accelerate vitamin C degradation.
- Recommended shelf life: 24 months when stored under proper conditions (retest recommended after 12 months for critical applications).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I request a free sample of Acerola cherry extract powder before placing a bulk order?
Yes. The Extract Factory provides complimentary samples for evaluation. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the requesting party.
Q: What payment methods and terms do you accept?
Payments can be processed via T/T (bank wire), credit card, Western Union, PayPal, and other commonly used methods. Specific terms can be discussed based on order size and customer history.
Q: How does The Extract Factory ensure consistent product quality across batches?
With approximately a decade of dedicated experience in botanical extraction, The Extract Factory has established a mature, multi-stage quality control protocol — from raw material intake inspection through in-process checks to final product release testing. A final verification is performed before every shipment to minimize risk.
Q: Do you accept OEM and custom formulation orders?
Absolutely. The Extract Factory welcomes OEM inquiries. Provide your specifications, and the team will deliver competitive pricing, technical recommendations, and samples in a timely manner.
Contact The Extract Factory
The Extract Factory is a trusted manufacturer and global supplier of Acerola cherry extract powder, serving supplement brands, food and beverage companies, cosmetic formulators, and ingredient distributors across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
For inquiries, quotations, technical data sheets, or sample requests, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Acerola Cherry Extract Powder — Naturally derived, consistently manufactured, globally supplied.
