Amaranth
Learn what Amaranth (E123) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Amaranth?
Food additive E 123, amaranth, is a synthetic food coloring substance currently permitted in the EU, with a maximum allowable usage level of 30 mg/kg in food products. Amaranth is also permitted in alcoholic beverages at levels up to 100 mg/l. It is very important not to confuse the food additive amaranth with the plant called amaranth, which is a pseudocereal that produces seeds rich in proteins and minerals.
Why is Amaranth added to food?
Amaranth (E123) is a colorant commonly found in: Red table wines (weak) or liqueurs and caviar..
Permitted quantity: Considering both the results of a 2-year study and reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, as well as using an uncertainty factor of 100, the EFSA group established the ADI for amaranth at 0.15 mg/kg bw/day.
Is Amaranth banned anywhere?
⚠ Restricted in some countries (not banned in the EU)
Is Amaranth okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Amaranth
- Red table wines (weak) or liqueurs and caviar.
How to spot Amaranth on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E123
- Amaranth
Common misspellings to watch for:
- amardnth
- amaranth
- dmaranth
- amdranth
Better alternatives
• This additive is banned in many European countries, as well as in Russia, the United States, and Japan. It has been associated with carcinogenicity, fetal death, and asthma. In France, it is still authorized with certain dosage limits.
Also known as
- amardnth
- amaranth
- dmaranth
- amdranth
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Amaranth? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E123 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Amaranth
- Is Amaranth safe to eat?
- Amaranth has a harm level of 2 out of 3. Moderate concern.
- Is Amaranth banned anywhere?
- Amaranth is not banned in the EU but is restricted in some countries.
- Is Amaranth safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Amaranth on a food label?
- Look for E123, Amaranth in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: amardnth, amaranth, dmaranth.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.