E123 Amaranth dye

E123ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

Amaranth dye (E123) is a synthetic red that the US banned in 1976. Europe still allows tiny uses. It is not the amaranth seed sold as a gluten-free grain.

20/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE123

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit0.15 mg/kg

Also calledAmaranth dye, FD&C Red No. 2

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDABanned

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

The FDA banned amaranth dye (then FD&C Red No. 2) in 1976. The EU still allows it in a few foods such as some spirits and fish roe, with a low daily limit of 0.15 mg per kg of body weight. It is not a permitted food color in Canada.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

11 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 0.15 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 3.0 mg a day.

What is it?

This red azo dye once colored US maraschino cherries, drinks and ice cream. After the FDA delisted it, those foods moved to other reds. EU labels still use it in a short list of products.

Where it comes from: The dye called amaranth is a synthetic azo color. It has nothing to do with amaranth grain, which is a seed.

Why it’s in food

Colors some spirits
Tints fish roe
Was used in cherries
Colors imported sweets

Often found in

Aperitif winesFish roeImported candiesSome cake decorations

Also listed as: Amaranth dye, FD&C Red No. 2, Red 2, CI 16185, Naphthol red

Health & gut impact

US banConcern

The FDA removed amaranth dye from the food-color list in 1976 after studies raised a cancer question that the agency decided was not resolved.

FDA termination of FD&C Red No. 2 (1976)

EU limitUnder study

EFSA kept amaranth dye only with a very low daily limit, 0.15 mg per kg of body weight.

EFSA re-evaluation of Amaranth (2010)

Red foods without this dye

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Dye-free maraschino-style cherries

Look for cherries colored with fruit juice.

Shop juice-colored cherries Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Freeze-dried raspberry powder

A tart red for frosting and yogurt.

Shop raspberry powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry staple

Puffed amaranth grain

The seed, not the dye, for gluten-free cereal and bars.

Shop amaranth grain Opens your country’s Amazon store

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What can I use instead?

Beetroot red

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Drinks and sweets

Anthocyanins

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Berry-colored foods

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Ammonia caramel (Caramel III) E150cAmmonia caramel (E150c) is the caramel class made with ammonia and no sulfite, common in beer. It is approved, but like cola caramel it can contain 4-MEI, which California lists under Proposition 65.Use in moderation Annatto E160bAnnatto (E160b) is a natural orange color from achiote seeds. It's what makes cheddar orange. It's safe and vegan, though it's one of the few natural colors that can trigger allergies.Generally safe Anthocyanins E163Anthocyanins (E163) are the natural red, purple and blue pigments of grapes, berries and purple carrots. They're one of the safest food colors and fit every diet we check.Generally safe

Common questions

Is amaranth the grain banned?

No. The grain is a food. E123 is a synthetic red dye that happens to share the name. US rules ban the dye, not the seed.

Is Amaranth dye safe?

Best to avoid (20/100). The FDA banned amaranth dye (then FD&C Red No. 2) in 1976. The EU still allows it in a few foods such as some spirits and fish roe, with a low daily limit of 0.15 mg per kg of body weight. It is not a permitted food color in Canada.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E123
FDA termination of FD&C Red No. 2 (1976)
EFSA re-evaluation of Amaranth (2010)

INS 123 · CAS 915-67-3