Paprika red pigment, also known as red chili pepper oleoresin, is extracted from the red pepper pericarp named Capsicum annuum. Capsicum annuum contains various carotenoids such as capsanthin, capsorubin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, phytofluene, xanthophylls, and steroids. It is a species of plant in the Solanaceae family. Paprika red pigment naturally gives a reddish-orange hue, with the major pigments extracted being the oil soluble carotenoids, including capsorubin, capsanthin, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, etc. It can be used in its natural oil-soluble form for fat-based applications.

Paprika red pigment has a wide range of applications in food processing. It is commonly used in oily foods, sauces, aquatic products processing, vegetable products, jellies, ice cream, cream, margarine, cheese, salads, sauces, rice products, baked goods, etc.