Lycopene
Also known as: Natural Red Color
Colorants
Safety rating
Eat Away!
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Lycopene (E160d) is a naturally occurring red pigment found in various fruits and vegetables, most notably tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruits. It is used in the food industry to impart a red to orange-red color, and is well-known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, particularly in supporting heart health.
Commonly found in
- —Fruit juices and soft drinks
- —Candies, jellies, and sweets
- —Yogurt and ice cream
- —Sauces, soups, and ketchup
Key functions
- —Imparts a red to orange-red color
- —Acts as an antioxidant
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Considered safe for consumption; widely used for its health-promoting properties
- 02Extremely high intake (typically via supplements) may cause lycopenodermia, a harmless temporary orange-red skin tint
- 03No significant reports of allergic reactions