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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Beta-carotene is added to foods to provide a yellow to orange color. It is …
What it is
Beta-carotene is a pigment found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, giving them yellow, orange, and red colors. It is produced commercially through chemical synthesis or extracted from sources like algae or carrots. In food, it's used as a color additive.
Why it's used
Beta-carotene is added to foods to provide a yellow to orange color. It is commonly found in baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and confectionery. Manufacturers use it to enhance the visual appeal of products.
Health notes
In the US, beta-carotene is approved by the FDA as a color additive. It is also recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a nutrient supplement. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated beta-carotene and established an acceptable daily intake. High doses of beta-carotene, particularly from supplements, have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers, but this is not typically a concern at levels used for food coloring.
Allergen info
Beta-carotene is not derived from any of the nine FDA 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.