E162 is a condensed color from Beetroot. Normal beetroot concentrate is considered a food ingredient and does not show up on the E-numbers in food list. Beetroot can contain a great amount of nitrate and this can as such be used to secretly add a lot of nitrate to foods without having to declare it. A deep red/purple natural extract from beetroot, the principle compound of which is beta-d-glucopyranoside of betanidine..
Fairly unstable in many processes and can impart an earthy taste.
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Can be found in bacon burgers, desserts, ice cream, jams, jellies, liquorice, oxtail soup, sauces and sweets.
No adverse effects are known but should be avoided by babies and young children as it contains nitrates
