Comparing E160C - Paprika extract vs E126 - Ponceau 6R

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Overview

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.

E126 - Ponceau 6R

Ponceau 6R (E126) is a synthetic red azo dye that was historically used to color foods and drinks. Today it is not approved for use as a food color in major markets like the European Union and the United States, so you are unlikely to see it on modern ingredient lists in those regions.

Synonyms

E160c

Paprika extract

capsanthin

capsorubin

Paprika oleoresin

oleoresin of paprika

oleoresin paprika

paprika color

colored with paprika

E126

Ponceau 6R

Functions

colour

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 8,402 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#2222.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#425100 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.05

under-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

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

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

Popular questions

What color is paprika?
Paprika extract (E160c) gives orange‑red to deep red hues, appearing yellow‑orange at low use levels and deeper red at higher levels.
Is paprika just for color?
As an additive, paprika extract is used primarily as a coloring; at typical doses it contributes little flavor, though it may add a mild peppery note.
How is paprika extract made?
It’s produced by solvent-extracting ground paprika peppers (Capsicum annuum) with food‑grade solvents like hexane or ethanol to concentrate carotenoids (capsanthin, capsorubin), then removing solvent and standardizing in oil; water‑dispersible forms are made by emulsification or saponification.
What does the color paprika look like?
A warm, natural red—ranging from yellow‑orange to deep red depending on concentration and the product.
What is paprika extract color?
Reddish‑orange to deep red, due to the carotenoids capsanthin and capsorubin.