Is Beet Juice Powder Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Beet Juice Powder is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Also called betanin. (E162) CAS 7659-95-2.
Other names: beetroot powder, E162, betanin, beet extract
Is Beet Juice Powder banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Chobani Strawberry Yogurt, Whole Foods 365 Ice Cream, Zico Coconut Water, Annie's Homegrown Fruit Snacks, Various smoothie products |
| CAS number | 7659-95-2 |
What is Beet Juice Powder?
Beet juice powder is a deep red-purple colorant extracted from red beets (Beta vulgaris), dried to a concentrated powder. The active pigment is betanin (betalain). It provides natural red-to-pink coloring and also contains antioxidant compounds. It is heat-sensitive and may fade during high-temperature processing.
Why is Beet Juice Powder used in food?
Provides natural red-to-pink coloring in yogurt, ice cream, frozen desserts, and beverages; preferred by consumers seeking natural alternatives to synthetic dyes.
Is Beet Juice Powder dangerous? Documented risks
Generally recognized as safe with no significant toxicological concerns. Consuming beet products can cause beeturia (red/pink urine) and red-tinted stools, which is harmless but may alarm those unaware. Beets are high in oxalates, which could be a concern for individuals with kidney stones (calcium oxalate type) when consuming extremely large quantities of beet concentrate. At normal food coloring use levels, no adverse effects have been identified.
Common US products containing Beet Juice Powder
- Chobani Strawberry Yogurt
- Whole Foods 365 Ice Cream
- Zico Coconut Water
- Annie's Homegrown Fruit Snacks
- Various smoothie products
How to avoid Beet Juice Powder: safer alternatives
Red radish extract, black carrot extract, and elderberry juice provide alternative natural red-pink colorants.
Frequently asked questions about Beet Juice Powder
Is beet juice powder safe?
Yes. It is a natural colorant with an excellent safety record.
Does beet powder turn urine red?
Yes — this is a harmless phenomenon called beeturia that occurs in some individuals.
Is beet juice powder vegan?
Yes, it is entirely plant-derived.
Is beet juice powder the same as artificial red dye?
No. It is a natural pigment (betanin) derived from red beets, compared to synthetic Red 40 or Red 3.
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Sources
- FDA Color Additives — Vegetable Juice (Beet) — FDA
- EFSA re-evaluation of beetroot red (E 162) as a food additive — EFSA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.