E163 · Anthocyanins
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E163?
Anthocyanins are natural, water-soluble pigments responsible for red, blue, and purple colors in fruits and vegetables such as berries, grapes, and red cabbage. Used as a natural food colorant (E163) in beverages, confectionery, and dairy products, their color shifts with pH — appearing red in acidic conditions and blue/purple in more neutral or alkaline ones. They are antioxidants, and diets rich in anthocyanin-containing foods are associated with cardiovascular and cognitive benefits in observational studies, though evidence specific to the isolated food-color additive is more limited. They are considered safe for food use by EFSA and FDA.
Also appears on labels as: Anthocyanins, Anthocyanidins, E163, E-163, E 163, INS 163, Natural color E163, Anthocyans, Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Pelargonidin.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; no significant safety concerns identified by EFSA or FDA.
Research behind the verdict
- Anthocyanins (E163) – Re-evaluation — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2013). Polyphenolic pigments from fruits; EFSA ADI not specified; generally safe; beneficial antioxidant effects.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E163 safe?
Our overall verdict for E163 (Anthocyanins) 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 E163 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Anthocyanins — 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 E163 and why is it used?
Anthocyanins are natural, water-soluble pigments responsible for red, blue, and purple colors in fruits and vegetables such as berries, grapes, and red cabbage. Used as a natural food colorant (E163) in beverages, confectionery, and dairy products, their color shifts with pH — appearing red in acidic conditions and blue/purple in more neutral or alkaline ones. They are antioxidants, and diets rich in anthocyanin-containing foods are associated with cardiovascular and cognitive benefits in observational studies, though evidence specific to the isolated food-color additive is more limited. They are considered safe for food use by EFSA and FDA.
Does E163 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Anthocyanins.
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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.