Is e160d vegan?

E160d is the E-number for lycopene, a red carotenoid pigment used as a food coloring agent. It is naturally present in red fruits and vegetables and is commercially extracted primarily from tomatoes. It can also be produced through chemical synthesis or via the fermentation of the non-pathogenic fungus Blakeslea trispora. Food manufacturers add E160d to a wide variety of products to provide yellow, orange, or red hues, including tomato-based sauces, soups, soft drinks, confectionery, dairy alternatives, and processed foods.

E160d is vegan because it is derived exclusively from plant sources, microbial fermentation, or synthetic manufacturing. Animal-derived ingredients and animal by-products are not used at any stage in the production or processing of this colorant. Consequently, products containing E160d are suitable for a vegan diet regardless of whether the additive is sourced from natural plants or synthesized in a laboratory.