🧪eNumbers.orgSearch Additives

Beetroot Red (Betanin) (E162) — What You Need to Know

Safe(10/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Beetroot Red (Betanin)?

Beetroot Red, also known as betanin, is a natural red pigment extracted from the roots of beetroot (Beta vulgaris). It provides a deep red to purplish-red color and is widely used as a natural alternative to synthetic red dyes. The pigment belongs to the betalain class of compounds and is water-soluble.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a natural red food coloring in dairy products, confectionery, beverages, and other foods where a red or pink hue is desired. Increasingly popular as a clean-label replacement for synthetic red dyes.

Function: Natural red food coloring extracted from beetroot
2.5 mg
Dataset exposure estimate

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): Approved (exempt from certification — natural color)
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): ADI not specified — considered safe, no numerical limit needed
⚠️ Key Concerns

Natural pigment from beetroot with no known safety concerns. Widely used as a natural alternative to synthetic red dyes. The only notable effect is beeturia — harmless red/pink coloration of urine in approximately 10-14% of people after consuming significant amounts of beetroot. Very heat-sensitive (degrades above 50°C), which limits some applications. Increasingly popular as consumers demand natural colorings.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Beetroot Red (Betanin) an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 10/10. This is 4.2 points above the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2015.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Ice creamYogurtCandyBeveragesPasta saucesCake frostings
Example brands:
Oatly (some products)Various organic food brands

Always check the label for E162 or 'Beetroot Red (Betanin)'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C24H26N2O13
Molecular Weight: 550.47 g/mol
CAS Number: 7659-95-2
INS Number: 162
Also known as: E162, Betanin, Beet Red, CI Natural Red 33, INS 162

Frequently Asked Questions about Beetroot Red (Betanin)

Current dataset status: FDA — Approved (exempt from certification — natural color); EFSA/EU — ADI not specified — considered safe, no numerical limit needed. Reported concerns: Natural pigment from beetroot with no known safety concerns. Widely used as a natural alternative to synthetic red dyes. The only notable effect is beeturia — harmless red/pink coloration of urine in approximately 10-14% of people after consuming significant amounts of beetroot. Very heat-sensitive (degrades above 50°C), which limits some applications. Increasingly popular as consumers demand natural colorings. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E162
INS Number
162
Category
Colorings
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
Approved (exempt from certification — natural color)
EFSA Status
ADI not specified — considered safe, no numerical limit needed
ADI
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2015
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other colorings in the same family

Anthocyanins (E163)Cochineal (Carminic Acid) (E120)Allura Red AC (E129)Carmoisine (E122)