Comparing E160C - Paprika extract vs E172 - Iron oxides and iron hydroxides

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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.

E172 - Iron oxides and iron hydroxides

Iron oxides and iron hydroxides (E172) are mineral pigments used to give foods red, yellow, brown, or black shades. They are insoluble, stable colors made under strict purity standards and are used mainly on the surface of foods, such as coatings and decorations. Rules vary by country: they are widely authorized in the EU, while uses in the U.S. are more limited.

Synonyms

E160c

Paprika extract

capsanthin

capsorubin

Paprika oleoresin

oleoresin of paprika

oleoresin paprika

paprika color

colored with paprika

E172

Iron oxides and iron hydroxides

Functions

colour

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 8,402 products

Found in 23 products

Search rank & volume

#2222.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#47150 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.05

under-aware

×0.44

under-aware

Search volume over time

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

Search history data is not available.

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.