Anthocyanins

E number E163CAS 11029-12-2

Listed as a colour by Canada, the EU and the US.

Listed as colours (CA, EU, US) · flavour enhancers (US) · flavouring agents and adjuvants (US)
Chemical structure of Anthocyanins, from PubChem compound 145858
Structure from PubChem CID 145858 (National Library of Medicine, public domain). A depiction of one compound: where a listing covers a family, or a substance has no single structure, this page shows none.

Anthocyanins are the red, purple and blue pigments of berries, grapes and red cabbage, used as colours in drinks, jams, confectionery and red-marbled cheese. Their shade depends on acidity: red in acid, shifting towards blue as it falls.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Anthocyanins by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandPermitted, with conditions

47 food categories

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

Show every food category
  • 0.2 Colourings — GMP
  • 0.3 Flavourings — GMP
  • 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milk — GMP
  • 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk products — GMP
  • 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milk — GMP
  • 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc) — GMP
  • 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powder — GMP
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese products — GMP
  • 11.1.1 Rainbow sugar — GMP
  • 11.4 Tabletop sweeteners — GMP
  • 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixture — GMP
  • 12.1.3 Salt substitute — GMP
  • 12.3 Vinegars and related products — GMP
  • 12.5 Yeast and yeast products — GMP
  • 12.6 Vegetable protein products — GMP
  • 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods — GMP
  • 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foods — GMP
  • 13.5 Food for special medical purposes — GMP
  • 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda waters — GMP
  • 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juices — GMPFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only.
  • 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice products — GMP
  • 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinks — GMP
  • 14.1.4 Formulated Beverages — GMP
  • 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol wines — GMP
  • 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine products — GMP
  • 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueurs — GMP
  • 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2 — GMP
  • 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of water — GMPNot for olive oil.
  • 2.2.1.2 Butter products — GMP
  • 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar products — GMP
  • 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil) — GMP
  • 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14 — GMP
  • 3 Ice cream and edible ices — GMP
  • 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetables — GMP
  • 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa products — GMPPermitted on the surface of chocolate only.
  • 5.2 Sugar confectionery — GMP
  • 5.4 Icings and frostings — GMP
  • 6.3 Processed cereal and meal products — GMP
  • 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta) — GMP
  • 7 Breads and bakery products — GMP
  • 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or pieces — GMP
  • 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2 — GMPNot for sausage or sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat.
  • 8.4 Edible casings — GMP
  • 8.5 Animal protein products — GMP
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish products — GMP
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 46 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaPermitted

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

4 permitted uses

Show every permitted use
  • In: Apple and (naming the fruit or fruits) jam; Bread; Butter; Concentrated (naming the fruit) juice, except frozen concentrated orange juice; Fig marmalade with pectin; Fish roe (caviar); Ice cream mix; Ice milk mix; Icing sugar; (Naming the fruit or fruits) jam with pectin; (Naming the fruit or fruits) jelly with pectin; Liqueur; Lobster paste; (Naming the flavour) milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk with added milk solids; (Naming the flavour) skim milk; (Naming the flavour) skim milk with added milk solids; Pickles and relishes; Pineapple marmalade with pectin; Rhubarb and (naming the fruit or fruits) jam; Sherbet; Smoked fish; Tomato catsup. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item A.6(a)
  • In: Blend of prepared fish and prepared meat as set out in paragraph 18.1.3(g) of Volume 18 of the Food Compositional Standards Document. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0122. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item A.6(b)
  • In: (Naming the flavour) essence; (Naming the flavour) extract; (Naming the flavour) flavour. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. Amendment notices: M-FAA-24-14. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item A.6(b.1)
  • In: Unstandardized foods. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item A.6(c)
Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3)and 3 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

48 food categories

highest permitted level 200 mg/kg

Show every food category
  • 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Note 74: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.5 dehydrated milk as defined by directive 2001/114/ec — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except unflavoured products.
  • 1.6.3 other creams — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.2 ripened cheese — quantum satisquantum satis. only red marbled cheese.
  • 1.7.3 edible cheese rind — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.4 whey cheese — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.5 processed cheese — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured processed cheese.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisquantum satis. only red marbled products.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding tomato-based sauces.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury-based sandwich spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding cidre bouché, cydr jakościowy, perry jakościowe, cydr lodowy, perry lodowe.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding wino owocowe jakościowe.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except miód pitny jakościowy’.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except: spirit drinks as defined in categories 1-17, 22, 36, 37 and 41 of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/787.
  • 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines — quantum satisquantum satis. only americano.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014 only food supplements in syrup form. Note 69: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 18.3 Food specially produced to reduce the gluten content of gluten-containing ingredients or substitute the gluten-containing ingredients — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisquantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine — quantum satisquantum satis. only vegetables (excluding olives).
  • 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — quantum satisquantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisquantum satis. only seaweed-based fish roe analogues.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products — quantum satisquantum satis. except chestnut puree.
  • 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC — quantum satisquantum satis. except chestnut purée.
  • 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. except crème de pruneaux.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 72: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 6.3 breakfast cereals — 200 mg/kgML = 200 mg/kg. only fruit flavoured breakfast cereals. Note 53: E 120, E 162 and E 163 may be added individually or in combination.
  • 6.3 breakfast cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only breakfast cereals other than extruded, puffed and/or fruit flavoured breakfast cereals.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.7 pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except edible external coating of pasturmas.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — quantum satisquantum satis. only fish paste and crustacean paste. Note 37: Maximum individually or for the combination of E 100, E 102, E 120, E 151, E 160e.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma, Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus.
  • 9.3 fish roe — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except Sturgeons' eggs (Caviar).
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 47 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

54 food categories

highest permitted level 200 mg/kg or mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.5 Dehydrated milk as defined by Directive 2001/114/EC — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except unflavoured products.
  • 1.6.3 Other creams — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.2 Ripened cheese — quantum satisquantum satis. only red marbled cheese.
  • 1.7.3 Edible cheese rind — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.4 Whey cheese — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.5 Processed cheese — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured processed cheese.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisquantum satis. only red marbled products.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only seasonings, for example curry powder, tandoori Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (70): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 120 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding tomato-based sauces.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury based sandwich spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.4 Foods suitable for people intolerant to gluten as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding chocolate milk and malt products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding cidre bouché.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Excluding wino owocowe markowe.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except: spirit drinks as defined in Article 5(1) and sales denominations listed in Annex II, paragraphs 1-14 of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 and spirits (preceded by the name of the fruit) obtained by maceration and distillation, Geist (with the name of the fruit or the raw material used), London Gin, Sambuca, Maraschino, Marrasquino or Maraskino and Mistrà.
  • 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines — quantum satisquantum satis. only americano.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (71): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. (1) quantum satis: no further restriction; (2) quantum satis: Period of application: from 1 August 2014 only food supplements in syrup form. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 3 Edible ices — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (75): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 4.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisquantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine — several limits(1) quantum satis: only preserves of red fruit; (2) quantum satis: only vegetables (excluding olives).
  • 4.2.3 Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — quantum satisquantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — several limits(1) quantum satis: only preserves of red fruit; (2) quantum satis: Only seaweed based fish roe analogues.
  • 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC — quantum satisquantum satis. except chestnut purée.
  • 4.2.5.3 Other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except crème de pruneaux.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (72): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.3 Chewing gum — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 6.3 Breakfast cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only breakfast cereals other than extruded, puffed and/or fruit-flavoured breakfast cereals.
  • 6.3 Breakfast cereals — 200 mg/kg or mg/lML = 200. only fruit-flavoured breakfast cereals. Note (53): E 120, E 162 and E 163 may be added individually or in combination.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.7 Pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except edible external coating of pasturmas.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma , Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — several limits(1) quantum satis: only fish paste and crustacean paste; (2) quantum satis: only precooked crustacean; (3) quantum satis: only smoked fish. Note (37): Maximum individually or for the combination of E 100, E 102, E 120, E 151, E 160e.
  • 9.3 Fish roe — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except Sturgeons’ eggs (Caviar).
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 53 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyNo listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyPermitted, with conditions
Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. …

Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 베리류색소 (“Berries Color”, the English the Code prints beside it); 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 자주색고구마색소 (“Purple Sweet Potato Color”, the English the Code prints beside it); 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 자주색참마색소 (“Purple Yam Color”, the English the Code prints beside it); 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 적무색소 (“Red Radish Color”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 베리류색소: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 베리류색소: (1) [must not be used in the foods listed] “베리류색소는 아래의 식품에 사용하여서는 아니 된다. 1. 천연식품〔식육류, 어패류, 과일류, 채소류, 해조류, 콩류 등 및 그 단순가공품(탈피, 절단 등)〕 2. 다류 3. 커피 4. 고춧가루, 실고추 5. 김치류 6. 고추장, 조미고추장 7. 식초 8. 향신료가공품(고추 또는 고춧가루 함유 제품에 한함)” Main use (주용도) of 자주색고구마색소: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 자주색고구마색소: (1) [must not be used in the foods listed] “자주색고구마색소는 아래의 식품에 사용하여서는 아니 된다. 1. 천연식품〔식육류, 어패류, 과일류, 채소류, 해조류, 콩류 등 및 그 단순가공품(탈피, 절단 등)〕 2. 다류 3. 커피 4. 고춧가루, 실고추 5. 김치류 6. 고추장, 조미고추장 7. 식초 8. 향신료가공품(고추 또는 고춧가루 함유 제품에 한함)” Main use (주용도) of 자주색참마색소: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 자주색참마색소: (1) [must not be used in the foods listed] “자주색참마색소는 아래의 식품에 사용하여서는 아니 된다. 1. 천연식품〔식육류, 어패류, 과일류, 채소류, 해조류, 콩류 등 및 그 단순가공품(탈피, 절단 등)〕 2. 다류 3. 커피 4. 고춧가루, 실고추 5. 김치류 6. 고추장, 조미고추장 7. 식초 8. 향신료가공품(고추 또는 고춧가루 함유 제품에 한함)” Main use (주용도) of 적무색소: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 적무색소: (1) [must not be used in the foods listed] “적무색소는 아래의 식품에 사용하여서는 아니 된다. 1. 천연식품〔식육류, 어패류, 과일류, 채소류, 해조류, 콩류 등 및 그 단순가공품(탈피, 절단 등)〕 2. 다류 3. 커피 4. 고춧가루, 실고추 5. 김치류 6. 고추장, 조미고추장 7. 식초 8. 향신료가공품(고추 또는 고춧가루 함유 제품에 한함)” The Korean is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the current Code (the English version on MFDS’s website is the 2020 edition and has no legal effect); the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications (Part IV) are not imported, nor are the general standards in Part II, which apply to every additive.

Standards and Specifications for Food Additives (식품첨가물의 기준 및 규격), MFDS Notification, Part III (Standards for use, by item)retrieved 2026-10-18
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationNot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFANot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand—47 GMP
Canada—4 GMP
European Union200 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 47 quantum satis
Great Britain200 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 4 several limits, 49 quantum satis
South Korea—1 no quantity stated

What it is made from

Extracted from edible plants — grape skins, black carrot, red cabbage, elderberry and others — often from juice and wine by-products.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
11029-12-2
InChIKey
NWKFECICNXDNOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem
CID 145858

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 163 Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are obtained by maceration or extraction with sulphited water, acidified water, carbon dioxide, methanol or ethanol from the strains of vegetables and edible fruits, with subsequent concentration and/or purification if necessary. The resulting product can be transformed into powder by an industrial drying process. Anthocyanins contain common components of the source material, namely anthocyanine, organic acids, tannins, sugars, minerals etc., but not necessarily in the same proportions as found in the source material. Ethanol may naturally be present as a result of the maceration process. The colouring principle is anthocyanin. Products are marketed according to their colour strength as determined by the assay. Colour content is not expressed using quantitative units.

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Einecs
208-438-6 (cyanidin); 205-125-6 (peonidin); 208-437-0 (delphinidin); 211-403-8 (malvidin); 205-127-7 (pelargonidin); 215-849-4 (petunidin)
Chemical name
3,3′,4′,5,7-Pentahydroxy-flavylium chloride (cyanidin) 3,4′,5,7-Tetrahydroxy-3′-methoxyflavylium chloride (peonidin) 3,4′,5,7-Tetrahydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxyflavylium chloride (malvidin) 3,5,7-Trihydroxy-2-(3,4,5,trihydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyrylium chloride (delphinidin) 3,3′4′,5,7-Pentahydroxy-5′-methoxyflavylium chloride (petunidin) 3,5,7-Trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyrilium chloride (pelargonidin)
Chemical formula
Cyanidin: C₁₅H₁₁O₆Cl Peonidin: C₁₆H₁₃O₆Cl Malvidin: C₁₇H₁₅O₇Cl Delphinidin: C₁₅H₁₁O₇Cl Petunidin: C₁₆H₁₃O₇Cl Pelargonidin: C₁₅H₁₁O₅Cl
Molecular weight
Cyanidin: 322,6 Peonidin: 336,7 Malvidin: 366,7 Delphinidin: 340,6 Petunidin: 352,7 Pelargonidin: 306,7
Assay
[image] 300 for the pure pigment at 515-535 nm at pH 3,0
Description
Purplish-red liquid, powder or paste, having a slight characteristic odour

Identification

Spectrometry
Maximum in methanol with 0,01 % conc. HCl Cyanidin: 535 nm Peonidin: 532 nm Malvidin: 542 nm Delphinidin: 546 nm Petunidin: 543 nm Pelargonidin: 530 nm

Purity criteria

Solvent residues
Methanol Not more than 50 mg/kg
Ethanol
Not more than 200 mg/kg
Sulfur dioxide
Not more than 1 000 mg/kg per percent pigment
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmium
Not more than 1 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 163

Every name it appears under

45 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E163

CAS registry number

  • 11029-12-2
  • 14051-53-7

As it appears in regulation

  • Anthocyanins

Other names

  • 1-Benzopyrylium, 2-phenyl-
  • 2-phenyl-1$l^{4}-chromen-1-ylium
  • 2-Phenyl-1-benzopyran-1-ium
  • 2-Phenyl-1-benzopyrylium
  • 2-phenylbenzopyrylium
  • 2-phenylchromenylium
  • Anthocyanidin
  • Anthocyanidins
  • ANTHOCYANIN
  • Anthocyanins
  • E 163
  • Enocianina
  • Enocyanin
  • Flavylium
  • Flavylium cation
  • Flavylium ion
  • InChI=1/C15H11O/c1-2-6-12(7-3-1)15-11-10-13-8-4-5-9-14(13)16-15/h1-11H/q+
  • NWKFECICNXDNOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • Oenocyanin

The EU re-evaluation programme

Every additive authorised in the EU before 20 January 2009 was put back through EFSA by Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, and this one is named in it. What the Regulation required is below; whether the opinion has since been published is not something this site records.

  • To be evaluated by 31 December 2015. Named in Annex II, Part I, point 3 as “Anthocyanins”, among the additives given priority within its class.

Hazard reference values

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADInot allocated—JECFA1982

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

  1. EFSA 2013

    The ANS Panel considered the database inadequate to set a numerical ADI for anthocyanins (E 163). It concluded that exposure to aqueous grape skin and blackcurrant extracts at current uses was unlikely to be of safety concern, but that extracts from other sources or non-aqueous processes were insufficiently characterised, and recommended revised specifications and further data for a new re-evaluation.

    Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is E 163?
E 163 is Anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are the red, purple and blue pigments of berries, grapes and red cabbage, used as colours in drinks, jams, confectionery and red-marbled cheese. Their shade depends on acidity: red in acid, shifting towards blue as it falls.
What is Anthocyanins used for in food?
It is listed as a colour — the role Canada, the EU and the US assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Anthocyanins permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Great Britain and South Korea permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Anthocyanins vegan?
Yes. Anthocyanins is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • ca retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • kr retrieved 2026-10-18
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

Machine-readable: a JSON record of this additive is given on request —how to ask for access.

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