Betanin

Betanin (CAS 7659-95-2), also known as beetroot red, is a naturally derived red-violet pigment extracted from Beta vulgaris. It belongs to the betalain class of plant pigments and is commercially identified under names including Betanine and NSC 170989. No E-number designation applies to betanin as an isolated compound.

In food and nutrition applications, betanin functions as a natural colorant in products such as dairy alternatives, confectionery, and processed meat analogues. It imparts red to purple hues by absorbing light in the 535 nm range, with color stability influenced by pH, temperature, and water activity. Formulators typically deploy it in systems maintained between pH 4 and 7 to preserve chromatic intensity.

Betanin is supplied in solid form and is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU market access. Procurement should confirm food-grade specification compliance with applicable regional food additive regulations. Buyers should request certificates of analysis specifying pigment content, heavy metal limits, and microbiological parameters.