Ingredient

Annatto Seed

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Annatto is primarily used as a natural food coloring, imparting a yellow to deep …

What it is

Annatto seed comes from the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground to produce a yellow-orange powder or paste, or they can be steeped in oil or water to extract their color.

Why it's used

Annatto is primarily used as a natural food coloring, imparting a yellow to deep orange hue. It is found in a variety of products, including cheeses, butter, baked goods, snacks, and processed meats.

Health notes

Annatto is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is not associated with significant adverse health effects at typical consumption levels. International bodies like EFSA have also evaluated annatto and its extracts, generally considering them safe for use. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, though this is rare.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Annatto Seed

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Pete's Pancakes Chocolate Storybook, Cotton Candy, Orange Dreamsicle, Orange Dreamsicle Candy 393kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs Mercado Latino, Inc. Spiced Annatto Seed Paste, Achiote Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 200kcal 4Protein 0Fat 44Carbs D & D Gold Product Corporation Annatto Seed Other Grains & Seeds 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Condimented Annatto Paste GS1 Mexico Condimented Annatto Paste Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 185kcal 5Protein 2.5Fat 35Carbs La Perla Food Importer El Yucateco, Condimented Annatto Paste Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 185kcal 5Protein 2.5Fat 35Carbs Viviana LLC Sweet Potato Fettuccine Pasta by Shape & Type 379kcal 5.3Protein 1.8Fat 80.7Carbs Big Y Foods, Inc. Macaroni & Cheese Other Deli High in sodium — 43% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 85% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 200kcal 7.8Protein 11.0Fat 16.3Carbs The Kroger Co. Nashville Hot Chicken Style Seasoning Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Wakefern Food Corporation American Macaroni & Cheese, American Other Deli High in sodium — 97% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 105% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 38% DV per serving 152kcal 7.5Protein 7.5Fat 14.5Carbs Oaxacan Mole Amarillo Spicy Chile, Savory Spices, & Rich Vegetables Starter, Oaxacan Mole Amarillo Woodland Foods Oaxacan Mole Amarillo Spicy Chile, Savory Spices, & Rich Vegetables Starter, Oaxacan Mole Amarillo Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 364kcal 9.1Protein 13.6Fat 63.6Carbs Seasoned Annatto Paste, Seasoned Annatto Mojave Foods Corporation Seasoned Annatto Paste, Seasoned Annatto Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 217kcal 0Protein 0Fat 43.5Carbs Mild Al Pastor Enchilada Sauce, Mild Al Pastor Enchilada La Victoria Foods Inc. Mild Al Pastor Enchilada Sauce, Mild Al Pastor Enchilada Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 117kcal 0Protein 6.7Fat 11.7Carbs
Salt (19 products) Spices (15 products) Water (13 products) Garlic (11 products) Vinegar (7 products) Sugar (6 products) Natural Flavors (6 products) Sodium Benzoate (6 products) Xanthan Gum (5 products) Red 40 (5 products)

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.