Red beet powder is a red natural dye obtained from a purified extract of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. var. ruba). Beetroot contains betanin, which includes a number of water-soluble pigments called betacyanins, which give a reddish purple colour in powder form and a more reddish colour in liquid solution.
Red beet powder with E number 162 is permitted as an adjuvant in a similar quantity as would be expected from beetroot. Beetroot powder is also produced as a food supplement, food ingredient and as a colouring agent in smoothies, for example.
Pharma Nord uses beetroot powder to give tablets a feminine colour and as a photoprotectant in a vegetable capsule.
