Petunidin
A safe natural plant extract.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A natural dark red to purple anthocyanin pigment found in petunias and many dark berries.
How it is used in food
Petunidin fills the purple gap between delphinidin and malvidin, contributing to the colour of blackcurrants, bilberries, chokeberries and dark grape varieties. It combines the deep blue-violet hue of delphinidin with the improved stability that comes from methylation, and functions as an antioxidant in the diet.
Commonly found in- Juices
- Natural food colorants
Health and safety
Safe and beneficial as an antioxidant.
Covered by EFSA's 2013 opinion on anthocyanins, with no safety concern at authorised use levels. As with the rest of the family, dietary intake from ordinary fruit far exceeds any contribution from its use as a colour, and evidence for specific health effects in humans is limited to observational berry-intake studies.
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
- E163f
Worth knowing
Named after the petunia, it is structurally delphinidin with one hydroxyl group methylated — nature's own way of stabilising a blue pigment. In grapes, the ratio of petunidin to malvidin to delphinidin is characteristic enough that it can be used to distinguish varieties and detect adulterated wine.
Conclusion
A safe natural plant extract.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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