Is E162 (Beetroot Red (Betanin)) Halal?
Generally halal
E162 (Beetroot Red / Betanin) is a red-pink colour extracted from beetroot — a plant source — so it is generally considered halal, and is a common halal alternative to carmine.
What is E162?
Beetroot red is a natural red-to-pink colour extracted from beetroot. It is used to colour foods such as desserts, sweets and dairy, and is a common plant-based alternative to insect-derived carmine (E120).
Extracted from beetroot juice and concentrated. The colour is plant-derived.
Why is it generally halal?
Beetroot red is extracted from a plant with no animal-derived material, so it is generally classified as halal. It is a common halal, plant-based alternative to carmine (E120). As always, the finished product still needs its own verification.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Yoghurts and dairy desserts
- Sweets and ice cream
- Sauces and dressings
- Baked goods
How it appears on labels
Beetroot RedBetaninBeet RedE162Colour (E162)INS number: 162
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E162 (beetroot red) halal?
Yes — it is a red colour extracted from beetroot (a plant) with no animal-derived material, so it is generally considered halal. It is a common halal alternative to carmine.
Is beetroot red the same as carmine?
No. Carmine (E120) is insect-derived; beetroot red (E162) is plant-based and is often used as a halal substitute.
What names should I look for?
'Beetroot Red', 'Betanin', 'Beet Red' or 'E162'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of beetroot red (E 162) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Plant (beetroot) origin
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.