Comparing E160AI - Beta-carotene vs E160C - Paprika extract

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Overview

E160AI - Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene (E160a(i)) is a bright yellow–orange color used in many foods and drinks. It’s the same natural pigment that makes carrots orange, and the body can convert it into vitamin A. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow its use as a food color when good manufacturing practices are followed.

E160C - Paprika extract

Paprika extract (E160c) is a natural color made from red peppers (Capsicum annuum). It gives foods warm orange to deep red shades with little to no taste at typical use levels. You’ll see it in snacks, sauces, soups, cheeses, and more as a simple way to make foods look appetizing.

Synonyms

E160ai

Beta-carotene

E160c

Paprika extract

capsanthin

capsorubin

Paprika oleoresin

oleoresin of paprika

oleoresin paprika

paprika color

colored with paprika

Functions

colour

Origins

Products

Found in 5,601 products

Found in 8,402 products

Search rank & volume

#2422K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#2222.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.05

under-aware

×0.05

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 9 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Does beta carotene make you tan?
High intakes can give the skin a yellow‑orange tint (carotenodermia), especially on the palms and soles; it’s not a melanin “tan” and fades when intake is reduced.
Is beta carotene bad for you?
At the amounts used as a food color and from normal diets, it’s considered safe; however, high‑dose supplements have been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers and asbestos‑exposed people and can cause temporary skin yellowing.
What foods have beta carotene?
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, spinach, kale, collards, apricots, mango, cantaloupe, and red/orange peppers are rich sources; it’s also added as color (E160a) to some foods.
Is beta carotene vitamin a?
No—it's a provitamin A carotenoid that your body converts to vitamin A (retinol) as needed.
How much beta carotene per day?
There’s no specific daily requirement for beta‑carotene; most people can meet vitamin A needs via carotenoid‑rich foods, and high‑dose beta‑carotene supplements (around 20 mg/day or more) are not recommended for smokers.