B-carotene Flavor

Beta-carotene is a pigment found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, giving them yellow, orange, and red colors. It is often produced commercially through chemical synthesis or extracted from natural sources like algae or fungi. In the body, beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A.

Beta-carotene is used as a food coloring agent to impart yellow to orange hues in various products. It is also sometimes added to foods as a source of vitamin A. You can find it in beverages, dairy products, baked goods, and processed fruits and vegetables.

In the U.S., beta-carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is also approved as a color additive. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated beta-carotene. High intake from supplements, not typically from food, has been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers, but this is not generally a concern with dietary beta-carotene.