Annatto & Paprika Extract

Annatto and paprika extract are natural food colorings derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (annatto) and the pods of the chili pepper plant (paprika). They are produced by grinding the plant material and extracting the coloring compounds using oil or water.

These extracts are used to impart yellow, orange, and red colors to a wide variety of foods. Manufacturers add them to products like cheese, butter, baked goods, snacks, and processed meats to enhance their visual appeal.

Annatto and paprika extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as food colorings. International bodies like EFSA have also evaluated these colorants. At typical consumption levels, they are not associated with adverse health effects. Some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions, but these are rare.