E160c Paprika extract

E160cColorsOrigin: Plant

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Every diet

VeganYes

Made from red peppers.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Paprika extract (E160c) is a natural orange-red color from red peppers, used in snacks, sauces and cheese. It's safe and vegan, but worth noting if you avoid nightshades.

92/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE160c

Comes fromPlant

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit24 mg/kg

Also calledPaprika extract, Paprika oleoresin

Color and season with paprika at home

For your pantry

Pantry staple

Sweet Hungarian paprika

Bright color with gentle flavor for rubs and sauces.

Shop sweet paprika Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry staple

Smoked Spanish paprika

Pimentón for chorizo-style flavor without curing salts.

Shop smoked paprika Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean grocery swap

Chips colored with paprika

Orange snacks without Yellow 6 or Red 40.

Shop dye-free chips Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada. The FDA exempts it from batch certification as a natural color. EFSA's 2015 review set a daily limit of 24 mg per kg of body weight, far above what people eat.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

1.7 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 24 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 480 mg a day.

What is it?

Paprika extract is the oily red pigment of paprika peppers, with most of the heat removed. It gives chips, sausages and sauces a warm orange-red, and it's a common swap for Yellow 6 and Red 40.

Where it comes from: Extracted from dried red peppers, the same peppers ground into paprika.

Why it’s in food

Colors chips and snack seasoning orange
Gives sausages and sauces a red tint
Replaces Yellow 6 and Red 40
Colors cheese and dressings

Often found in

Potato chips and cheese snacksSausages and chorizoBarbecue sauceSalad dressingsProcessed cheeseSeasoning mixes

Also listed as: Paprika extract, Paprika oleoresin, Paprika color, Paprika colour, Capsanthin, Capsorubin, Capsicum extract, E160c(i)

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found no safety concern at the levels used to color food.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2015)

What can I use instead?

Annatto

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Cheese and snacks

Beta-carotene

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Drinks and dairy

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 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 Beetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Paprika extract safe?

Generally safe (92/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada. The FDA exempts it from batch certification as a natural color. EFSA's 2015 review set a daily limit of 24 mg per kg of body weight, far above what people eat.

Is Paprika extract vegan?

Yes. Made from red peppers.

Is Paprika extract gluten-free?

Yes.

Does paprika extract make food spicy?

No. Color extracts are made from sweet paprika and have almost no heat.

Should I avoid paprika extract on a nightshade-free diet?

Yes. Paprika is a pepper, which is a nightshade, so the extract comes from the same plant.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 73.345 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E160c
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2015)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 160c