E162 · Beetroot red, betanin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E162?
Beetroot red, also known as betanin (E162), is a natural pigment extracted from red beets, giving a deep red to purple hue. It is used in beverages, confectionery, dairy, and processed meats as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. Betanin is water-soluble and sensitive to heat, light, and pH, which can cause its color to fade during processing or storage. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies; a well-known, harmless side effect is beeturia, a temporary reddish discoloration of urine or stool after eating beets, which occurs in some individuals regardless of whether the source is the additive or whole beets.
Also appears on labels as: Beetroot red, Betanin, Beet red, Beetroot extract, Beetroot color, Beet juice color, Beet pigment, Natural red 33, E162, E 162, E-162, Beetroot red (E162).
What the evidence says
- Can cause beeturia (harmless red-pink discoloration of urine or stool) in susceptible individuals.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Beetroot Red (Betanin) (E162) – Safety Overview — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2015). Natural pigment from beetroot; EFSA ADI not specified; considered safe; limited bioavailability.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E162 safe?
Our overall verdict for E162 (Beetroot red, betanin) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E162 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Beetroot red, betanin — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E162 and why is it used?
Beetroot red, also known as betanin (E162), is a natural pigment extracted from red beets, giving a deep red to purple hue. It is used in beverages, confectionery, dairy, and processed meats as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. Betanin is water-soluble and sensitive to heat, light, and pH, which can cause its color to fade during processing or storage. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies; a well-known, harmless side effect is beeturia, a temporary reddish discoloration of urine or stool after eating beets, which occurs in some individuals regardless of whether the source is the additive or whole beets.
Does E162 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Beetroot red, betanin.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.