Lycopene
What is Lycopene?
Lycopene is a naturally occurring pigment that gives many fruits and vegetables their red, pink, or orange colour, such as tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruits. It is a type of carotenoid, which are fat-soluble compounds. It can be extracted from natural sources or synthesised for use in food.
Is Lycopene vegan?
Lycopene is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Lycopene a major allergen?
Lycopene is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Lycopene used for?
Lycopene is primarily used as a colouring agent, imparting a red hue to foods.
Is Lycopene safe?
Lycopene is authorised as a food additive (colour) in the UK and the EU.
Why it's used
Lycopene is primarily used as a colouring agent, imparting a red hue to foods. It is often added to processed foods like surimi products, seafood sticks, and plant-based alternatives to meat to enhance their visual appeal. It may also be used in some meal replacements and other processed food items.
Health notes
Lycopene is authorised as a food additive (colour) in the UK and the EU. EFSA has evaluated lycopene and set an acceptable daily intake (ADI). Some research suggests lycopene may have antioxidant properties, but the evidence for significant health benefits at typical dietary intake levels is mixed and requires further investigation. It is not considered a major health concern at authorised levels.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products | 30 |
| 1.7.3 edible cheese rind | 30 |
| 1.7.5 processed cheese | 5 |
| 3 edible ices | 40 |
| 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products | 10 |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | 10 |
| 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads | 10 |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | 30 |
| 5.3 chewing gum | 300 |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | 30 |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | 200 |
| 6.6 Batters | 30 |
| 7.2 Fine bakery wares | 25 |
| 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat | 500 |
| 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat | 30 |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 30 |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 10 |
| 9.3 fish roe | 30 |
| 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments | 50 |
| 12.5 Soups and broths | 20 |
| 12.6 Sauces | 50 |
| 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 | 30 |
| 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) | 30 |
| 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 30 |
| 14.1.4 Flavoured_drinks | 12 |
| 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine | 10 |
| 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails | 10 |
| 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 |
| 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks | 30 |
Allergen info
Lycopene is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is a naturally occurring compound found in plants.
Foods that contain Lycopene
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