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Beet Juice Color (E 162)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Beet juice color (E 162) is the red-purple color of red beet, mostly betanin. It is sold as beet juice, concentrated juice or dehydrated beet powder.

What the evidence review says

Beet juice color is the red-purple color from red beets. EFSA said there were not enough studies to set an acceptable daily intake, but concluded it is not a safety concern at reported uses, because the amount eaten is similar to what people get from beets in an ordinary diet. It is different from the 2026 fermentation-made 'beetroot red', which is made by engineered yeast.

No notable concern at current color uses. EFSA (2015) said the toxicology database was too incomplete to set an ADI (limited chronic, reproductive, and genotoxicity data) but concluded E 162 is not of safety concern at reported use levels, because betanin intake from the color is in the same range as betanin from the ordinary diet. Beet juice as a drink is high in nitrate; that is a property of the vegetable, and color doses are much smaller than a glass of juice. Do not confuse this juice color with the 2026 fermentation-derived 'beetroot red,' which is betanin made by genetically engineered yeast and whose US listing is stayed.

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.