Ingredient

Annatto Oil

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Annatto oil is used to impart a yellow to orange color in foods. It …

What it is

Annatto oil is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground and then infused into oil, which extracts their vibrant yellow-orange to deep red color.

Why it's used

Annatto oil is used to impart a yellow to orange color in foods. It is commonly found in cheese, butter, baked goods, pasta, and snack foods.

Health notes

Annatto is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is not known to cause adverse health effects at typical consumption levels. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated annatto and established acceptable intake levels. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Annatto Oil

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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.