Betanin (betanidin-5-O-beta-glucoside, Beetroot Red) is a red glycosidic food dye obtained from beets. Betanin is the most common betacyanin in the plant kingdom. According to the regulation on food additives betanin is permitted quantum satis as a natural red food colorant (E162). Moreover, betanin is used as colorant in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Recently, potential health benefits of betalains and betalain-rich foods (e.g. red beet, Opuntia sp.) have been discussed. Betanin is a scavenger of reactive oxygen species and exhibits gene-regulatory activity partly via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2-(Nrf2) dependent signaling pathways. Betanin may induce phase II enzymes and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, betanin possibly prevents LDL oxidation and DNA damage. Potential blood pressure lowering effects of red beet seem to be mainly mediated by dietary nitrate rather than by betanin per se.

Alitame [l-α-aspartyl-N-(2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thioethanyl)-d-alaninamide] is an amino acid-based sweetener developed by Pfizer Central Research from l-aspartic acid, d-alanine, and 2,2,4,4-tetraethylthioethanyl amine. A terminal amide group instead of the methyl ester constituent of aspartame was used to improve the hydrolytic stability. The incorporation of d-alanine as a second amino acid in place of l-phenylalanine has resulted in optimum sweetness. The increased steric and lipophilic bulk on a small ring with a sulfur derivative has provided a very sweet product and good taste qualities. Alitame is noncariogenic. From an oral intake, 7–22% is unabsorbed and excreted in the feces. The remainder is hydrolyzed to aspartic acid and alanine amide. The aspartic acid is normally metabolized, and the alanine amide is excreted in the urine as a sulfoxide isomer, sulfone, or conjugated with glucuronic acid. U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved alitame for use as per acceptable daily intake (ADI) value.

Canthaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid pigment and potent lipid-soluble antioxidant widely distributed in nature. Canthaxanthin has been found in edible mushrooms green algae, bacteria, crustaceans, and bioaccumulates in fish such as carp, golden mullet, seabream and trash wrasse. Canthaxanthin is used to reduce sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) experienced by people who have a rare genetic disease called erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In these people, sunlight can cause skin reactions such as rash, itch, and eczema. Canthaxanthin is also used to reduce sun sensitivity caused by certain medications. Some people also try it for relieving itching caused by sun exposure. Canthaxanthin is associated with E number E161g and is approved for use as a food coloring agent in different countries, including the United States and the EU; however, it is not approved for use in Australia and New Zealand. It is generally authorized for feed applications in at least the following countries: US, Canada, EU. In the EU, canthaxanthin is allowed by law to be added to trout feed, salmon feed, and poultry feed. The European Union limit is 80 mg/kg of feedstuffs, 8 mg/kg feed for egg-laying hens and 25 mg/kg in feed for other poultry and salmonids.

Calcium benzoate is the calcium salt of benzoic acid. Used as a preservative, both antibacterial and antifungal. Calcium benzoate can be found in concentrated pineapple juice. People who suffer from asthma, aspirin sensitivity or the skin disease urticaria may have allergic reactions and/or find their symptoms become worse following consumption of benzoic acid, particularly in combination with tartrazine (E102). Calcium benzoate (E213) is approved for use as a food additive in the EU, USA and Australia and New Zealand.