Is E163 halal or haram?
Anthocyanins · Color (purple)
E163 (Anthocyanins) is generally classified as suspect (mashbooh). Plant-derived (grape skin, red cabbage, berries) and extracted with water, methanol or ethanol. Because alcohol extraction is common, the halal additive listing the app follows marks it doubtful. Doubtful unless certified.
What is E163?
E163, listed on labels as Anthocyanins, is a colouring agent that gives food a specific hue. You'll most often find it in packaged and processed foods.
Is E163 halal? The verdict
E163 is mashbooh (doubtful). Plant-derived (grape skin, red cabbage, berries) and extracted with water, methanol or ethanol. Because alcohol extraction is common, the halal additive listing the app follows marks it doubtful. Doubtful unless certified. Manufacturers aren't required to print the source on the label, so unless the pack states a plant/vegetable source or carries a recognised halal certification (HMC, JAKIM, MUI, IFANCA), the safest choice is to avoid it.
How to check E163 on a label
Scan the ingredient list for E163 and its other names. If it's present and the source isn't stated, treat the product as doubtful. A barcode or photo scan with Halal Food AI flags E163 automatically and tells you whether the product declares a halal source.
Other names & label terms to scan for
AnthocyaninsGrape skin extractINS 163E163
Bottom line
E163 is doubtful (mashbooh) — avoid unless the source is stated as halal or the product is halal-certified.
Stop guessing in the aisle
Halal Food AI flags E163 and every other suspect or not-halal additive automatically — just scan the barcode or snap the ingredient list. Plain-language verdicts, 25+ languages.
Prefer to check as you shop? The halal barcode scanner app scans a barcode or an ingredient photo and gives you the verdict on the spot.