Grape skin extract
Grape skin extract suppliers and sourcing guide
Grape skin extract (enocianina) is a purplish-red color made by steeping the deseeded marc (pomace) left after pressing grapes for juice or wine. Sulfur dioxide is added during steeping, most sugars ferment, and the extract is vacuum-concentrated. Its color comes from anthocyanins, so shade depends on pH. In the US its food use is limited to beverages; a related grape color extract from Concord grape lees covers non-beverage food.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Enocianina · Grape skin extract (enocianina) · E163 · Grape anthocyanins
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of grape skin extract
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Liquid concentrate
Concentrated extract at a stated color value for drinks, ades, beverage bases and alcoholic beverages.
Powder
Spray-dried extract for dry beverage mixes.
Grape color extract
A separately listed color from Concord grape lees, sold as a solution or as powder with maltodextrin, for non-beverage foods.
Low-sulfite grades
Extracts processed to lower residual sulfur dioxide, for products that avoid sulfite labeling.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Color value
- Absorbance near 520 nm at a set pH (often pH 3), the basis for dose.
- Sulfur dioxide
- Residual SO2 by Monier-Williams or a rapid method, which matters for sulfite labeling in the finished product.
- Pesticide residues
- Pesticide residues, which 21 CFR 73.170 limits to what is permitted on grapes.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS, reported against the limits in the color additive regulation and the supplier specification.
- Brix and pH
- Soluble solids and pH of the concentrate, which affect dosing and shade.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Keep sealed, cool and away from light; anthocyanin colors fade with heat and oxygen, and refrigeration slows the loss. Powders should be kept dry. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and color value is retested on aged stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Color value, shade and residual SO2 vary with grape variety and vintage, so record them for each lot. Confirm which listing a product uses, since grape skin extract and grape color extract have different permitted foods.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.170 defines grape skin extract (enocianina) as a purplish-red liquid made by aqueous extraction of the fresh deseeded marc left after pressing grapes.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.170 limits its use to coloring still and carbonated drinks and ades, beverage bases and alcoholic beverages.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.170 states that sulfur dioxide is added during steeping and a small amount may be present in the extract.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.169 separately lists grape color extract, from Concord grape lees, for coloring nonbeverage food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Grape skin extract suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking grape skin extract suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell grape skin extract? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of grape skin extract can brands buy?
Common forms include liquid concentrate, powder, grape color extract and low-sulfite grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for grape skin extract include?
Expect color value, sulfur dioxide, pesticide residues, heavy metals and brix and pH, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should grape skin extract be stored?
Keep sealed, cool and away from light; anthocyanin colors fade with heat and oxygen, and refrigeration slows the loss. Powders should be kept dry. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and color value is retested on aged stock.
What is the regulatory status of grape skin extract?
21 CFR 73.170 defines grape skin extract (enocianina) as a purplish-red liquid made by aqueous extraction of the fresh deseeded marc left after pressing grapes. 21 CFR 73.170 limits its use to coloring still and carbonated drinks and ades, beverage bases and alcoholic beverages. 21 CFR 73.170 states that sulfur dioxide is added during steeping and a small amount may be present in the extract. 21 CFR 73.169 separately lists grape color extract, from Concord grape lees, for coloring nonbeverage food.
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