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Answer: Anthocyanins is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products.
TL;DR: Anthocyanins is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called E163. (E163) CAS 11029-12-2.
Other names: E163, grape skin extract, berry pigments, plant flavonoids
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products, Honest Tea, Various purple/red flavored products |
| CAS number | 11029-12-2 |
Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble pigments found in red, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables (blueberries, red cabbage, elderberries, grapes, black beans). They are flavonoid compounds responsible for the red-to-blue color spectrum in plants. As a food additive (E163), they are extracted from plant sources including grape skins, elderberries, or black carrots.
Provide natural red, purple, and blue coloring in beverages, confectionery, and dairy products; also contribute antioxidant activity.
Anthocyanins are not only safe but are associated with numerous health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects, extensively documented in nutritional epidemiology literature. The color is pH-sensitive (red in acid, blue/purple in neutral/alkaline), which can be a formulation challenge but presents no health risk. No significant adverse effects have been identified at food additive use levels.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Anthocyaninswith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Anthocyanins are themselves considered a preferred alternative to synthetic blue and purple dyes. Blue spirulina extract can supplement blue-range coloring.
Yes — extensive research links dietary anthocyanin intake to reduced cardiovascular disease risk, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved cognitive function.
Anthocyanins are pH-sensitive: red in acidic conditions, purple in neutral pH, and blue/green in alkaline pH.
Yes — entirely plant-derived.
Grape skin extract is one common source of E163, but anthocyanins can also come from elderberry, black carrot, or red cabbage.
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