Natural blue photopigments, methods for producing them and to uses thereof as colorant.

The invention relates to natural blue photopigments, methods for producing them and to uses thereof as colorant, in particular in food, confectionary, ice creams and beverages. Provided is a coloring material comprising a blue pigment obtained or obtainable from Cyanidioschyzon merolae. The blue pigment has a thermal stability until at least 70ºC, and a purity factor of 5 or higher, preferably 8 or higher, more preferably 10 or higher. Also provided is a method for providing a thermostable natural blue C. merolae pigment.