food colors

E163 — Anthocyanins

Red, purple or blue food coloring depending on pH

Also known as: Anthocyanin · Anthocyanins

Permissible

Yes — Halal

Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

Function Red, purple or blue food coloring depending on pH
Found in fruit juices, jams & more
Source grape skins, elderberries, red cabbage, blackcurrants (plant)

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Permitted

Maliki

Permitted

Shafi'i

Permitted

Hanbali

Permitted

Naturally water-soluble - generally halal when used as a food dye. If extracted from grape skins or used in alcohol-containing products, verify the full formulation.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Safe to consume

E163 is permissible across all major schools of Islamic thought. No further verification is needed for this specific additive.

Permissible — no verification required
2

Still check the rest of the ingredients list

Other E-codes on the same label may have a different halal status. Use our database or scanner to verify each one.

Always verify the complete label

You're all clear for this additive

E163 is permissible. Focus your label check on the other E-codes in this product — some may have different statuses.

Scan the full label →
Background & Details

About E163

Color anthocyanins is a water soluble pigment obtained from plants by extracting with water and it is a Halal color.. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

What is E163 made from?

  • grape skins, elderberries, red cabbage, blackcurrants (plant)

Foods that commonly contain E163

Food Category Guide

E163 is common in fruit juices — see the full halal guide →

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E163 (Anthocyanins) halal?

E163 (Anthocyanins) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E163 used for?

E163 is used as a red, purple or blue food coloring depending on ph in food products.

What foods contain E163?

E163 (Anthocyanins) is commonly found in: fruit juices, jams, confectionery, yogurt, wine (naturally present).

What is E163 made from?

E163 can be derived from the following sources: grape skins, elderberries, red cabbage, blackcurrants (plant).

What are the other names for E163?

E163 may appear on food labels as: Anthocyanin, Anthocyanins.

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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.