Amaranth
What is Amaranth?
Amaranth is a pseudocereal, meaning it is a seed that is prepared and eaten like a grain. It originates from the Americas, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The edible part is the seed, which is typically cooked and consumed as a porridge or added to other dishes.
Is Amaranth vegan?
Amaranth is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Amaranth gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Amaranth a major allergen?
Amaranth is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Amaranth used for?
Manufacturers add amaranth to foods for its nutritional profile, particularly its protein and fibre content.
Is Amaranth safe?
Amaranth is not considered a food additive and does not have an E-number.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add amaranth to foods for its nutritional profile, particularly its protein and fibre content. It is often found in breakfast cereals, mueslis, and protein powders as a source of plant-based protein. Its small size and slightly nutty flavour also make it suitable as a textural ingredient.
Health notes
Amaranth is not considered a food additive and does not have an E-number. It is a source of fibre, protein, and various micronutrients. While generally considered safe, like any food, excessive consumption is not recommended. Regulatory bodies have not set specific intake limits for amaranth as it is a whole food.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 9.3 fish roe | 30 |
| 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 | 30 |
| 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines | 100 |
| 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines | 30 |
| 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinks | 100 |
| 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % | 30 |
Allergen info
Amaranth is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Amaranth
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