What is E162?
E162 is Beetroot Red (Betanin) — extracted from beetroot, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
What is E162 (Beetroot Red)?
E162 is the E-number for beetroot red, one of the food colourings group of food additives (E100–E199). Additives in this group add or restore colour to foods and drinks. Extracted from beetroot. Like every E-number, E162 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E162 in detail below.
Where is E162 found?
E162 is typically used in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E162) or by its full name, beetroot red. Common foods that may contain E162 include:
- Sweets
- Soft drinks
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Sauces and snacks
Full guide: foods containing E162 and how to spot it on labels →
E162 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Beetroot Red safe?
Is E162 safe?
E162 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E162.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E162 vegan?
E162 is vegan. Extracted from beetroot, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E162 →Is E162 halal?
E162 is halal. Extracted from beetroot, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E162 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E162 in food?
E162 is Beetroot Red (Betanin) — extracted from beetroot, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
Is E162 safe to eat?
Yes. E162 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E162 vegan?
E162 is vegan. Extracted from beetroot, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E162 halal?
E162 is halal. Extracted from beetroot, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).