Is e164 vegan?

E164 is the European food additive code for crocin, a natural yellow or reddish-orange carotenoid pigment used as a coloring agent. This compound is derived from botanical sources, most notably the dried stigmas of the saffron flower (Crocus sativus) or the fruit of the gardenia plant (Gardenia jasminoides). To produce E164, processors harvest the plant tissues and extract the active water-soluble pigments using water or approved organic solvents, followed by filtration, purification, and drying into a concentrated powder or liquid.

Food manufacturers use E164 to impart color to a wide variety of items, including baked goods, confectionery, beverages, sauces, processed noodles, and seasoned rice products. E164 is vegan because it originates entirely from plant material. The pigment extraction and manufacturing processes do not utilize animal organs, secretions, or animal-derived processing aids, making this additive suitable for individuals following a strictly vegan diet.