What is E163?
Anthocyanins (E163) are plant pigments used as food colours, including pigments obtained from sources such as grape skin or blackcurrant. Goodnessly rates E163 Safe, while food-category permissions and the relevant regulator assessment still apply.
Anthocyanins (E163) are plant pigments used as food colours, including pigments obtained from sources such as grape skin or blackcurrant. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins are naturally occurring pigments responsible for red, purple and blue colours in many fruits and vegetables. As E163, the term covers authorised anthocyanin preparations used for colouring food.
What's it used for?
- Adding red, purple or blue colour
- Helping maintain a consistent appearance
- Colouring selected foods and preparations
- Providing a plant-pigment colour option
Where you'll find E163 on the shelf
You may see E163 in foods where a red, purple or blue appearance is wanted, including fruit-based products, confectionery and other colour-controlled formulations.
Is E163 permitted? What the regulators say
E163 is listed or permitted in the three systems checked, with category, level and specification conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists 163 anthocyanins and the applicable Schedule 15 food-category permissions control its use. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 includes E163 for specified foods and conditions. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA lists grape colour extract and grape skin extract as exempt-from-certification colour additives for specified food uses, including restrictions set out in 21 CFR Part 73. |
Goodnessly rates E163 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA completed the re-evaluation of anthocyanins in 2013. It noted that anthocyanin preparations vary by source and extraction method, so the assessment depends on characterisation and use.
- EFSA’s 2013 re-evaluation did not set a numerical ADI. For extracts from edible fruits or vegetables made with aqueous processes, EFSA considered exposure comparable with normal dietary exposure when the source and preparation are appropriately characterised; other extracts need more data.
- An ADI or “not specified” conclusion is a population risk-assessment reference, not a statement that a particular food is unsafe.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing colours used across different products
- People checking the source and amount of a colour preparation
- People who want to consider the whole formulation
Goodnessly rates E163 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Anthocyanins
- Grape skin extract
- Blackcurrant extract
- 163 or E163
- Colour (163)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E163?
E163 is anthocyanins, a group of plant pigments used as food colours in specified applications.
Is E163 permitted?
E163 is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. The FDA lists related grape colour and grape skin extracts for specified US food uses.
What does EFSA say about E163?
EFSA’s 2013 re-evaluation did not set a numerical ADI and said the assessment depends on the source, extraction process and exposure.
How does Goodnessly rate E163?
Goodnessly rates E163 (anthocyanins) as Safe within its rating system.
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