INS 162 is beet red, also called betanin or beetroot red. It is a natural red-pink colour extracted from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris). On Indian packs it shows up in pink yogurt drinks, strawberry-style mithai, ice cream, and some jelly and candy lines as a clean-label alternative to synthetic reds. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
Quick Facts
INS Number
162
E-Number
E162
Category
Colour
Veg Status
Vegan
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (1987)
Chemical Name
betanine (the principal betacyanin pigment of red beetroot, Beta vulgaris)
What is INS 162?
INS 162 is beet red, also called betanin or beetroot red. It is a natural red-pink colour extracted from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris). On Indian packs it shows up in pink yogurt drinks, strawberry-style mithai, ice cream, and some jelly and candy lines as a clean-label alternative to synthetic reds.
Why brands add it
Brands use it because beet red gives a deep pink-red shade from a familiar kitchen vegetable, which suits the clean-label segment where consumers want to recognise where the colour came from. It works well in cold and refrigerated products (dairy drinks, yogurt, ice cream, mithai fillings) but fades faster than synthetic reds under heat and bright light, so it is less common in baked goods where Ponceau 4R or Allura Red still dominate.
Where you'll find it
INS 162 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
pink yogurt drinks and lassi
strawberry and rose-flavoured mithai
pink ice creams and kulfi
jellies and gum candy
meat alternatives and plant-based products
some fruit-flavoured drinks
clean-label cake fillings and icings
Veg or non-veg? - Vegan
Beet red is extracted from red beetroot by pressing and concentration of the juice, with optional drying to a powder. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as a natural food colour under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific limits. JECFA specifications limit nitrate content (beetroot naturally contains some nitrate); this matters for foods specifically formulated for infants and young children, where total dietary nitrate exposure is separately limited.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' for beet red, finalised at the 31st JECFA (1987), meaning JECFA did not consider a numerical limit necessary at expected use levels. The 31st JECFA noted that nitrate (a natural component of beetroot, carried into beet red extract) must be controlled to the JECFA specification limit, particularly relevant for foods intended for infants and young children. Earlier JECFA evaluations (18th meeting 1974, 22nd 1978, 26th 1982, 28th 1984) cycled between 'not specified' and 'no ADI allocated' status while specifications were being refined; the 31st JECFA settled on 'not specified' with the nitrate specification in place.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 162 is also called:
162ins 162e162e 162beet redbeetroot redbetaninbetaninebetalainnatural red colourci natural red 33ci 75850
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INS 162 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Beet red is extracted from red beetroot by pressing and concentration of the juice, with optional drying to a powder. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
Is INS 162 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI as a natural food colour under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific limits. JECFA specifications limit nitrate content (beetroot naturally contains some nitrate); this matters for foods specifically formulated for infants and young children, where total dietary nitrate exposure is separately limited.
What is INS 162 used for?+
Brands use it because beet red gives a deep pink-red shade from a familiar kitchen vegetable, which suits the clean-label segment where consumers want to recognise where the colour came from. It works well in cold and refrigerated products (dairy drinks, yogurt, ice cream, mithai fillings) but fades faster than synthetic reds under heat and bright light, so it is less common in baked goods where Ponceau 4R or Allura Red still dominate.
Is INS 162 (also written as E162) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 162 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E162 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (beet red (betanin)).
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.