Ingredient

Annatto Seeds

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

What it is

Annatto seeds come from the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are used to create a natural yellow-orange to deep red colorant.

Why it's used

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

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. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto, and it has been used safely for centuries.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Annatto Seeds

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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.