About
What it is and where it shows up.
Pomegranate powder is a dried, ground or spray-dried preparation derived from the whole fruit, juice, seeds, or peel of Punica granatum L., rich in polyphenols (particularly punicalagins and ellagic acid). It is used as a natural flavouring, antioxidant functional ingredient, and nutraceutical supplement in foods and beverages.
Safety summary
The regulatory and scientific consensus.
Pomegranate juice and extract are generally considered safe for the adult population with no established ADI; no IARC classification exists and no major jurisdiction has banned it. Pomegranate root, stem, and peel concentrates may be harmful in large amounts due to naturally occurring alkaloids, but food-grade fruit/peel powder at typical use levels is well tolerated. Allergic reactions have been reported in sensitive individuals.
Regulatory landscape
What food-safety regulators have decided.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Health Canada (Canada) | Approved | Pomegranate-derived ingredients are permitted under Canadian Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). Labelling and compositional standards apply. No specific prohibition or maximum use level for pomegranate powder in general foods.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is classified as a botanical ingredient. Whole fruit and juice preparations are permitted as food/novel food ingredients and in food supplements; no specific maximum limit or E-number is assigned. EFSA has not issued a specific opinion establishing an ADI for pomegranate powder at standard food-use levels.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Punica granatum (fruit/seed/skin extract/leaf/powder) is listed as a permitted nutraceutical/health supplement ingredient under FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, and Special Dietary Uses) Regulations, 2017. Pomegranate infusion also separately approved (Ref. 73/Std/PA/Re-REF15021617/2015/FSSAI/2018) for use in food category 14.1.5.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Pomella® whole fruit pomegranate extract (GRN 001064) concluded GRAS under 21 CFR §170.30(a) and (b) for use in dairy products, non-alcoholic juice beverages, and chocolate candy at 50 mg per serving, not exceeding 1000 mg/day. Not for use in infant formula or foods marketed to infants and young children. FDA also noted potential color additive considerations under 21 CFR Part 70 if used for coloring purposes. |
Who should approach with care
Whose guidance would steer them away.
Pregnancy — NIH/NCCIH notes that little is known about the safety of pomegranate forms other than juice during pregnancy, and FDA's GRAS notice explicitly excludes use in foods marketed toward infants and young children.
Lactation — Safety data for pomegranate extract/powder during breastfeeding is insufficient per NIH/NCCIH guidance, warranting caution until more evidence is available.
Infants — FDA's GRN 001064 explicitly states pomegranate extract is not intended for use in infant formula or foods formulated for infants and young children.
Other — Allergic reactions to pomegranate have been reported per NIH/NCCIH; individuals with known fruit allergies should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before consuming pomegranate powder.
Research citations
The sources behind this verdict.
- 1NCCIH / NIH. Pomegranate: Usefulness and Safety — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. nccih.nih.gov
- 2FDA. GRAS Notice No. GRN 001064 — Whole Fruit Pomegranate Extract (Pomella®), Verdure Sciences, 2023. fda.gov
- 3FDA. FDA Agency Response Letter — GRAS Notice No. GRN 001064, Whole Fruit Pomegranate Extract, 2023. fda.gov
- 4PubMed. Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate and its Derivatives, 2020. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5FSSAI. Implementation of FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Foods for Special Dietary Uses, Foods for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods and Novel Food) Regulations, 2017 — Permitted Nutraceutical Ingredients List, 2018. fssai.gov.in
- 6PubMed. Antioxidant capacity versus chemical safety of wheat bread enriched with pomegranate peel powder, 2013.
Independently researched6 citations