Ingredient

Anatto

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Annatto is primarily used to impart a yellow to orange color to foods, mimicking …

What it is

Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground into a powder or steeped in oil or water to extract their vibrant yellow-orange to deep red pigment.

Why it's used

Annatto is primarily used to impart a yellow to orange color to foods, mimicking the color of egg yolks or butter. It is commonly found in cheeses, baked goods, dairy products, and processed meats.

Health notes

Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food coloring. It is considered safe at typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto and its components, and no specific concerns have been raised regarding its use as a food colorant.

Allergen info

Annatto is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Anatto

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.