Ingredient

Astaxanthin

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add astaxanthin primarily as a colorant to give foods a pink or red …

What it is

Astaxanthin is a reddish-pink pigment found naturally in certain plants, algae, yeast, and seafood like salmon, trout, and shrimp. It is a type of carotenoid, a well-known class of antioxidants. It can be produced through fermentation using microalgae or synthesized chemically.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add astaxanthin primarily as a colorant to give foods a pink or red hue, especially in salmon aquaculture to mimic the natural color of wild salmon. It is also used as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant properties. It is found in farmed fish, seafood products, and some dietary supplements.

Health notes

Astaxanthin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food colorant and in dietary supplements. It is known for its antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from damage. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated astaxanthin, but specific numerical limits are not always set. Research into its health benefits is ongoing, with some studies suggesting positive effects on skin health and exercise performance, though more research is needed.

Allergen info

Astaxanthin is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It is not a source of gluten.

Products containing Astaxanthin

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Farmed Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon Fillets Whole Foods Market, Inc. Farmed Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon Fillets Frozen Fish & Seafood High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 212kcal 20.4Protein 13.3Fat 0Carbs Mazzetta Co., LLC Atlantic Salmon Premium Skin-On Portions From Norway Frozen Fish & Seafood High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 187kcal 19.6Protein 11.4Fat 0Carbs HOFSETH AS Skinless Norwegian Salmon Frozen Fish & Seafood 190kcal 19.3Protein 12.7Fat 0Carbs Farm-Raised Cooked Salmon Fillets Whole Foods Market, Inc. Farm-Raised Cooked Salmon Fillets Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 248kcal 22.1Protein 16.8Fat 0Carbs Lipari Foods Operating Company, LLC Premium Norwegian Salmon Portions Frozen Fish & Seafood 200kcal 17.7Protein 15.0Fat 0Carbs Whole Foods Market, Inc. Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon, Hot Smoked Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 158kcal 21.1Protein 7.0Fat 1.8Carbs Whole Foods Market, Inc. Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon Fish & Seafood 228kcal 19.3Protein 15.8Fat 1.8Carbs Wixter Market Boneless, Skinless Norwegian Salmon Frozen Fish & Seafood High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 202kcal 17.9Protein 14.3Fat 0Carbs Wixter Market Boneless, Skin On Norwegian Steelhead Frozen Fish & Seafood High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 29% DV per serving 214kcal 20.2Protein 14.3Fat 0Carbs Changing Seas Salmon Frozen Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 207kcal 20.7Protein 13.2Fat 0Carbs Changing Seas Salmon Happy Fish, Salmon Frozen Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 222kcal 21.2Protein 14.3Fat 0Carbs Bigina Hot Smoked - Beech New Zealand King Salmon, Hot Smoked - Beech Fish & Seafood 286kcal 21.4Protein 21.4Fat 0Carbs
Salt (11 products) Salmon (9 products) From Panaferd (3 products) Water (3 products) Color Added Through Feed (3 products) White Pepper (2 products) Steelhead Trout (2 products) Salmo Salar (2 products) Brown Cane Sugar (2 products) Natural Hardwood Smoke (2 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.