Ingredient · E160a

Carotene Color

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use carotene color to give foods a yellow to orange hue, making them …

What it is

Carotene color is a natural color additive derived from beta-carotene, a compound found in many fruits and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. It can be produced synthetically or extracted from natural sources. The color ranges from yellow to orange-red.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use carotene color to give foods a yellow to orange hue, making them more visually appealing. It is commonly found in dairy products, baked goods, beverages, and confectionery.

Health notes

Carotene color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Beta-carotene is also a precursor to Vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated beta-carotene and its derivatives. At typical dietary levels, it is considered safe.

Allergen info

Carotene color is not derived from any of the FDA's major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Carotene Color

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FIGARO Delicious Cookie And Pie Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 533kcal 6.7Protein 30Fat 63.3Carbs Riverside Foods Cheddar Cheese Jalapeno Snappers 4655 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 50% DV per serving 177kcal 6Protein 6Fat 25Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Buffalo Style Chicken Cheesy Dip, Buffalo Style Chicken Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 182kcal 12.1Protein 12.1Fat 6.1Carbs Great American Snacks, Inc. Great American Appetizers, Cheddar & Bacon Potato Skins Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 260kcal 11.5Protein 11.5Fat 29.8Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Giant, Potato Skins, Cheddar & Bacon, Cheddar & Bacon Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 263kcal 11.1Protein 11.1Fat 28.3Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Giant, Buffalo Style Chicken & Cheese Dip Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 121kcal 9.1Protein 7.6Fat 3.0Carbs Gehl Foods, LLC Gehl's, Cheese Sauce Nacho, Milk Cheddar, Milk Cheddar Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 113kcal 0Protein 8.1Fat 9.7Carbs Hormel Foods Corporation Macaroni & Cheese Entrees, Sides & Small Meals High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 136kcal 6.6Protein 6.1Fat 13.2Carbs The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Stuffed Jalapeno, Cheddar Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 319kcal 6.6Protein 18.7Fat 28.6Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Jalapeno Bites With Cheddar Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 319kcal 6.6Protein 18.7Fat 28.6Carbs Gehl Foods, LLC Deliciously Creamy And Spicy Cheese Sauce, Jalapeno Cheese High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 161kcal 1.6Protein 11.3Fat 9.7Carbs Supervalu, Inc. Potato Skins Cheddar Cheese & Bacon Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 238kcal 7.5Protein 16.2Fat 16.2Carbs

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.