Is Anthocyanins Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Anthocyanins is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Anthocyanins on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products.
TL;DR: Anthocyanins is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Anthocyanins: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products, Honest Tea, Various purple/red flavored products |
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.
What regulators have flagged about Anthocyanins
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 Anthocyanins with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Anthocyanins →
Audited products that don't contain Anthocyanins.
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Anthocyanins and pregnancy: common questions
Is Anthocyanins banned anywhere?
Anthocyanins is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
Should I avoid Anthocyanins during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Anthocyanins?
Commonly found in Various natural/organic beverages, Annie's Fruit Snacks, Whole Foods 365 Products, Honest Tea, Various purple/red flavored products. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Anthocyanins.
What can I use instead of Anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins are themselves considered a preferred alternative to synthetic blue and purple dyes. Blue spirulina extract can supplement blue-range coloring. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Anthocyanins or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
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.