Ingredient · E160b

Annato Color

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use annatto to impart a yellow to orange color in foods, often as …

What it is

Annatto color is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). The seeds are ground and mixed with oil or water to extract the pigment, which ranges in color from yellow to deep orange-red.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use annatto to impart a yellow to orange color in foods, often as a replacement for artificial colorings. It is commonly found in dairy products like cheese and butter, as well as in baked goods, snacks, and processed meats.

Health notes

Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto, and it is permitted for use in foods. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, though this is rare.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Annato Color

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BLACK DIAMOND Cheddar Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 429kcal 25Protein 35.7Fat 3.6Carbs WESTERN SELECT Premium Colby - Jack Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 393kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 0Carbs Old World Gluten-Free, LLC Pierogi Potato & Cheddar Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 195kcal 6.0Protein 6.7Fat 28.9Carbs Golden Bison Co., LLC Bison Jalapeno & Cheddar Sausage, Bison Jalapeno & Cheddar Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 31kcal 15.4Protein 24.2Fat 5.5Carbs Popz USA LLC Popz, Microwave Popcorn, Butter, Butter Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 512kcal 7.3Protein 36.6Fat 47.6Carbs Onuims Onion Flavored Rings Rudolph Foods Company, Inc. Onuims Onion Flavored Rings Other Snacks 464kcal 3.6Protein 21.4Fat 64.3Carbs Goya Foods, Inc. Powdered Beef Flavored Bouillon, Beef Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 500kcal 0Protein 0Fat 50Carbs S&F Foods, Inc. Gluten Free Stuffed Sandwiches, Ham & Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 29% DV per serving 220kcal 10.2Protein 6.3Fat 32.3Carbs Cheddar Cheese, Mild Milton G. Waldbaum Company Cheddar Cheese, Mild Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 393kcal 21.4Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Supreme Tamale Co Inc Beef Tamales Mild Jalapeno Cheese, Mild Jalapeno Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 41% DV per serving 168kcal 4.4Protein 6.2Fat 22.1Carbs Three Square Inc. Marble Jack Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 391kcal 26.1Protein 30.4Fat 0Carbs Cheddar Cheese Slices Three Square Inc. Cheddar Cheese Slices Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 391kcal 26.1Protein 30.4Fat 0Carbs

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.