What is E 160c?

Paprika powder in bags at a market
Paprika powder in bags at a market Photo: Ralff Nestor Nacor, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

E 160c is the E number of Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin. Red-orange colour extracted from paprika. It is used in sausages, sauces, seasonings and snacks.

Where is E 160c most commonly used?

Paprika extract mainly colours sausages, crisps and other snacks as well as seasonings. It is also common in sauces, cheese and ready meals.

What is E 160c used for?

E 160c belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour.

  • Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.

Which foods may contain E 160c?

According to the European Commission's database, E 160c may be used in 54 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

  • Dairy products and analogues
  • Edible ices
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Confectionery
  • Cereals and cereal products
  • Bakery wares
  • Meat
  • Fish and fisheries products
  • Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
  • Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
  • Beverages
  • Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
  • Desserts
  • Food supplements
  • Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 160c vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 160c linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 160c appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 160c" or "Colour: Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin".

Sources