E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.
E163 (Anthocyanins) are natural water-soluble flavonoid polyphenol pigments extracted from grape skins, elderberries, and black carrots. INS 163, ADI is 2.5 mg/kg bw/day (grape skin extract), exhibiting pH-dependent colors from red to blue.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E101 | E163 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 101(i) | INS 163(i)–(v) |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant | Food Color (Red, Purple, Blue) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day | 2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (as anthocyanins) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) | Flavylium cation red at pH 1–3, converting to blue quinoidal base at neutral/alkaline pH |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks | Red fruit beverages, sports drinks, jams, jellies, wine gums |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Fruit/Vegetable extraction), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) | EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.170 |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C17H20N4O6 | — |
|
Key Flavylium Cations
|
— | Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Peonidin, Petunidin |