Beetroot red
What is Beetroot red?
Beetroot red, also known as betanin, is a natural pigment extracted from beetroot (Beta vulgaris). The vibrant red-purple colour is achieved by processing the beetroot to isolate and purify the betanin compounds.
Is Beetroot red vegan?
Beetroot red is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Beetroot red gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Beetroot red a major allergen?
Beetroot red is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Beetroot red used for?
Manufacturers use beetroot red as a natural food colourant to impart a red to pink hue in a variety of products.
Is Beetroot red safe?
Beetroot red is an authorised food additive in Great Britain, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use beetroot red as a natural food colourant to impart a red to pink hue in a variety of products. It is commonly found in confectionery, baked goods, dairy desserts, and meat analogues, where a visually appealing colour is desired.
Health notes
Beetroot red is an authorised food additive in Great Britain, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. European authorities, including EFSA, have evaluated its safety. JECFA has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. At typical dietary intakes, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Some research suggests potential antioxidant properties, but more peer-reviewed evidence is needed to confirm these effects.
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 |
|---|---|
| 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.3 breakfast cereals | 200 |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Beetroot red is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Beetroot red
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