What is E103?

Complete guide to understanding E103 (Alkannin) in your food

The Quick Answer

E103 is a natural food colorant and dye.

It’s used in food to add red-brown color to products.

It comes from a Mediterranean plant and has been used for thousands of years as a traditional dye.

📌 Quick Facts

Category: Food Coloring (E100-199 range)
Found in: Some cosmetics, textiles, and limited food products in specific regions
Safety: Generally Recognized As Safe (depends on region and application)
Approved by: Approved in Australia; EU status varies by member state

What Exactly Is It?

E103 is made from the roots of the Alkanna tinctoria plant, found in the Mediterranean region.

The name “Alkannin” comes from the Arabic word for the plant itself.

In technical terms, it’s a naphthoquinone derivative—a type of organic compound with natural antioxidant properties.

But you don’t need to understand the chemistry. Simply put: it’s a plant-based red dye.

Where You’ll Find It

E103 appears in:

• Cosmetics (lipsticks, rouges, and makeup)
• Textile dyes and fabrics
• Some food products in Australia and certain regions
• Traditional herbal remedies
• Limited use in modern packaged foods

E103 is less common in modern processed foods compared to synthetic food dyes, so you’re unlikely to encounter it frequently in everyday groceries.

💡 Pro Tip: Check cosmetic and textile product labels for “E103” or “Alkannin” if you want to identify this dye. It’s more commonly found in beauty products than in food.

Why Do Companies Use It?

E103 does one main job: provide a rich, red-brown color.

This makes products look more attractive and appealing to consumers.

Because it’s derived from a plant rather than synthesized in a lab, some manufacturers prefer it for “natural” product claims.

Its pH-responsive nature (changing color from red to blue depending on acidity) also makes it useful in cosmetics and specialty applications.

Is It Safe?

E103 (Alkannin) is generally considered safe by food and cosmetic regulators.

In regions where it’s approved, regulatory bodies have evaluated it as suitable for its intended use.

The compound has been used safely for centuries in traditional applications and cosmetics.

Unlike some synthetic food dyes, Alkannin comes from a natural plant source and has antioxidant properties.

⚠️ Note: Halal status is considered “Mushbooh” (doubtful) in Islamic dietary law, as it depends on the type of solvents used during processing. If this matters to you, look for certified Halal products.

Natural vs Synthetic Version

E103 is interesting because it is already a natural compound—not a synthetic version of a natural ingredient.

Natural source: Extracted directly from Alkanna tinctoria plant roots.

The extraction process uses organic solvents (alcohol, ether, or oils) to get the dye from the plant material.

Unlike synthetic azo dyes, E103 is a genuine plant extract with no synthetic alternative.

Natural Alternatives

If you want to avoid E103, companies sometimes use these instead:

• Anthocyanins (E163) – from grape skins and berries
• Beta-carotene (E160a) – from carrots and plant sources
• Paprika extract (E160c) – from red peppers

These alternatives work similarly but may have different flavor profiles or cost considerations.

The Bottom Line

E103 is a natural plant-based dye that has been used for thousands of years, particularly in Mediterranean cultures.

It’s primarily found in cosmetics and textiles rather than everyday foods.

Regulatory bodies in approved regions consider it safe in normal amounts.

Check your product labels—you have the right to know what’s in your food and cosmetics.

What is E103? – Complete guide to understanding Alkannin in your food