colour INS 163

Anthocyanins E163

natural — Primarily plant-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Anthocyanin pigments

CAS: 11029-12-2

Data verified: 2026-04-03

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Anthocyanins?

Anthocyanins (E163) are a large family of water-soluble flavonoid pigments responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers, including elderberries, blackcurrants, grapes, red cabbage, and purple sweet potatoes. Commercial anthocyanin extracts for food use are obtained from these plant sources by water or mild solvent extraction, producing concentrates used as natural colorants in beverages, confectionery, dairy products, and fruit preparations. The color of anthocyanins is pH-dependent — they appear red in acidic conditions, purple at neutral pH, and blue to green in alkaline environments. EFSA evaluated anthocyanins from various sources and set an ADI of not specified for most sources, recognizing them as widely consumed natural components of the human diet.

? Did You Know?

Anthocyanins occurs naturally in grapes and berries. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Anthocyanins is derived from plant materials — its origin is more natural than its E-number might suggest.

Beyond food, Anthocyanins is also used in cosmetics, medicine. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Exempt from certification

Generally recognized as safe when from approved sources

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

Natural red, purple, or blue pigments found in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Responsible for the red-purple colors in many plants.

grapesberriesred cabbagepurple sweet potatoeseggplantblackcurrants

Manufacturing

Method: extraction

Extracted from plant sources such as grape skins, red cabbage, or berries using water or aqueous ethanol.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in natural cosmetics.

Medical

Studied for potential antioxidant and health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anthocyanins (E163)?

Anthocyanins (E163) is a colour used in food products. It is natural and plant-derived. Natural red, purple, or blue pigments found in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Responsible for the red-purple colors in many plants.

Where is Anthocyanins found naturally?

Anthocyanins is naturally found in grapes, berries, red cabbage, purple sweet potatoes, eggplant, blackcurrants. Natural red, purple, or blue pigments found in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Responsible for the red-purple colors in many plants.

What foods contain Anthocyanins?

Anthocyanins is used in various food categories including Dairy products, Confectionery. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Anthocyanins the same as Grape skin extract?

Yes, Anthocyanins is also known as Grape skin extract, Red cabbage extract, Blackcurrant extract. These are different names for the same substance.