Peonidin
A safe, natural cherry and berry pigment.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A natural purplish-red anthocyanin pigment found in peonies and dark cherries.
How it is used in food
Peonidin gives a rich magenta-purple colour and is a major pigment in cranberries, sour cherries, purple sweet potato and purple-fleshed corn. Being methylated, it resists degradation better than cyanidin, so purple sweet potato extract has become a popular natural pigment for beverages, icings and dairy products.
Commonly found in- Fruit products
- Beverages
Health and safety
Completely safe to consume.
Assessed as part of the anthocyanin group (E163) by EFSA in 2013 with no safety concern. Its methyl groups slow both chemical breakdown and metabolic clearance, giving it somewhat better plasma stability than non-methylated anthocyanidins, though absolute bioavailability remains low for the whole class.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E163e
Worth knowing
It is the methylated cousin of cyanidin, named after the peony. Purple sweet potato anthocyanins, largely peonidin- and cyanidin-based, are widely used in Japan as a food colour and are stable enough that they can survive baking — a rarity among anthocyanins.
Conclusion
A safe, natural cherry and berry pigment.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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