Is Anthocyanins Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Anthocyanins is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Also called E163. (E163) CAS 11029-12-2.
Other names: E163, grape skin extract, berry pigments, plant flavonoids
Is Anthocyanins banned in the EU?
| 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 |
What is Anthocyanins?
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.
Why is Anthocyanins used in food?
Provide natural red, purple, and blue coloring in beverages, confectionery, and dairy products; also contribute antioxidant activity.
Is Anthocyanins dangerous? Documented risks
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.
Common US products containing Anthocyanins
- Various natural/organic beverages
- Annie's Fruit Snacks
- Whole Foods 365 Products
- Honest Tea
- Various purple/red flavored products
How to avoid Anthocyanins: safer alternatives
Anthocyanins are themselves considered a preferred alternative to synthetic blue and purple dyes. Blue spirulina extract can supplement blue-range coloring.
Frequently asked questions about Anthocyanins
Are anthocyanins healthy?
Yes — extensive research links dietary anthocyanin intake to reduced cardiovascular disease risk, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved cognitive function.
Why does anthocyanin color change?
Anthocyanins are pH-sensitive: red in acidic conditions, purple in neutral pH, and blue/green in alkaline pH.
Are anthocyanins vegan?
Yes — entirely plant-derived.
Is E163 the same as grape skin extract?
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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Sources
- Anthocyanins as functional food colorants — PubMed/NCBI
- EFSA re-evaluation of anthocyanins (E 163) as food additives — EFSA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.