What is E163?

Anthocyanins, also called anthocyans, are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that, depending on their pH, may appear red, pink, purple, blue, or black. In 1835, the German pharmacist Ludwig Clamor Marquart named a chemical compound that gives flowers a blue color, Anthokyan, in his treatise Die Farben der Blüthen. E163 sits in the E100–E199 series, which in the EU classification mainly covers colours.

What is E163 used for?

E163 belongs to the colours group. Colours are added to give or restore colour to food. Some are natural, like curcumin from turmeric; some synthetic dyes are debated and require warning labels in the EU.

Is E163 safe?

E163 is considered safe at the levels used in food and is approved for use in the EU. “Safe” means it is approved in the EU and regarded as safe at the levels used in food.

How E163 appears on labels

On food packaging you'll find E163 either as the number “E163” or by the name “Anthocyanins” in the ingredient list, often after its function. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so an additive near the end is present only in small amounts.

Is E163 vegan?

Yes, E163 is suitable for vegans.