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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Annatto is used to add a yellow to deep orange color to foods, often …
What it is
Annatto is a natural food coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground and then extracted with oil or water to produce a yellow to orange-red colorant.
Why it's used
Annatto is used to add a yellow to deep orange color to foods, often mimicking the color of egg yolks or cheese. 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. It is not known to cause adverse health effects at typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated annatto and established acceptable daily intake levels.
Allergen info
Annatto is not derived from any of the FDA's nine major allergens and does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.