Ingredient · E160a

Beta Carotene Color

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use beta carotene to add or enhance yellow to orange colors in foods …

What it is

Beta carotene is a pigment found in many fruits and vegetables, giving them yellow, orange, and red colors. It can be extracted from natural sources like carrots or algae, or synthesized. In food, it's used as a coloring agent.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use beta carotene to add or enhance yellow to orange colors in foods like baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and confectionery. It provides a natural-looking color that consumers often associate with fruit or egg content.

Health notes

Beta carotene is recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is a precursor to vitamin A, meaning the body converts it to vitamin A as needed. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated beta carotene. High doses of beta carotene supplements have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers, but this is not typically a concern with dietary intake from food.

Allergen info

Beta carotene is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Beta Carotene Color

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LILY O'BRIEN'S CHOCOLATES Lily O'Brien's, Desserts Collection Contains 18 Chococlates Chocolate High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 526kcal 5.3Protein 31.6Fat 57.9Carbs SHIRLEY'S COOKIE COMPANY INC Banana Whoopie Pies Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 469kcal 2.6Protein 26.6Fat 54.9Carbs COFFEE HOUSE CAFE Crumble Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 302kcal 3.2Protein 11.1Fat 47.6Carbs TWO-BITE Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes With Real Cream Cheese Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 386kcal 3.6Protein 19.3Fat 48.2Carbs MARCHE DE PARIS French Macarons Cookies & Biscuits 444kcal 8.3Protein 22.2Fat 55.6Carbs NESTLE Original Coffee Creamer Milk Additives 136kcal 0Protein 13.6Fat 0Carbs LKS Puff Cookies With Sugar Palmiers Cookies & Biscuits 556kcal 7.4Protein 25.9Fat 66.7Carbs Conagra Brands ODOMS TENNESSEE PRIDE Sausage Croissant, 12.75 OZ Sandwiches/Filled Rolls/Wraps High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 389kcal 9.7Protein 26.4Fat 29.2Carbs Conagra Brands ODOMS TENNESSEE PRIDE Sausage Croissant, 0.793 LB Sandwiches/Filled Rolls/Wraps High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 389kcal 9.7Protein 26.4Fat 29.2Carbs Ramen Noodle Soup Nissin Foods USA Co Inc Ramen Noodle Soup Other Soups High in sodium — 47% DV per serving 333kcal 7.4Protein 5.6Fat 61.1Carbs Chicken Ramen Chicken Flavor Noodle Dish With Chili, Ginger, Cilantro & Green Onion, Chicken Ramen KUSARI NOODLES Chicken Ramen Chicken Flavor Noodle Dish With Chili, Ginger, Cilantro & Green Onion, Chicken Ramen All Noodles High in sodium — 63% DV per serving 329kcal 10.6Protein 3.5Fat 67.1Carbs Beef Pho Beef Flavor Noodle Dish With Soy, Garlic & Ginger, Beef Pho KUSARI NOODLES Beef Pho Beef Flavor Noodle Dish With Soy, Garlic & Ginger, Beef Pho All Noodles High in sodium — 47% DV per serving 341kcal 12.9Protein 2.9Fat 69.4Carbs

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.