Ingredient · E160a

Color: Beta-carotene

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Beta-carotene is added to foods to provide or enhance yellow, orange, or red colors. …

What is Color: Beta-carotene?

Beta-carotene is a pigment found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, giving them yellow, orange, and red colors. It can be extracted from natural sources or synthesized. In food, it's used as a color additive.

Is Color: Beta-carotene vegan?

Color: Beta-carotene is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Color: Beta-carotene gluten-free?

Beta-carotene is not a major allergen and does not contain gluten.

What is Color: Beta-carotene used for?

Beta-carotene is added to foods to provide or enhance yellow, orange, or red colors.

Is Color: Beta-carotene safe?

Beta-carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food colorant.

Why it's used

Beta-carotene is added to foods to provide or enhance yellow, orange, or red colors. It is commonly found in baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and confectionery.

Health notes

Beta-carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food colorant. It is also a source of vitamin A in the body. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated beta-carotene. Evidence does not suggest adverse effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

Beta-carotene is not a major allergen and does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Color: Beta-carotene

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Mixed Fruit Drink STAR Mixed Fruit Drink Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 60kcal 2Protein 0Fat 13.2Carbs Float Fruit Drink With Real Fruit Pieces RANI Float Fruit Drink With Real Fruit Pieces Other Drinks High in added sugars — 53% DV per serving 52kcal 0Protein 0Fat 12.9Carbs Fruit Drink, Orange RANI Fruit Drink, Orange Other Drinks High in added sugars — 53% DV per serving 52kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.1Carbs Plain Soft French Baguette ECI Storage and Logistics, Inc. Plain Soft French Baguette Breads & Buns 329kcal 8.2Protein 7.1Fat 54.1Carbs Authentic French Cheese & Cream Brioche ECI Storage and Logistics, Inc. Authentic French Cheese & Cream Brioche Breads & Buns 280kcal 8Protein 8Fat 44Carbs Authentic French Chocolate Swirl Brioche ECI Storage and Logistics, Inc. Authentic French Chocolate Swirl Brioche Breads & Buns 300kcal 8Protein 9Fat 46Carbs Apple Danish, Apple Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Apple Danish, Apple Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 333kcal 5.1Protein 14.1Fat 53.9Carbs Authentic French Sliced Brioche, Authentic French ECI Storage and Logistics, Inc. Authentic French Sliced Brioche, Authentic French Breads & Buns High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 328kcal 7.5Protein 10.4Fat 50.8Carbs Authentic French Cinnamon Raisin Brioche ECI Storage and Logistics, Inc. Authentic French Cinnamon Raisin Brioche Breads & Buns 297kcal 7.8Protein 6.2Fat 51.6Carbs Strong Roots Creamy Mac, 10 Oz GS1 Ireland Strong Roots Creamy Mac, 10 Oz Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 47% DV per serving 127kcal 3.2Protein 4.2Fat 18.4Carbs ROBERTSON'S Robertson's, Lemon Curd Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads 268kcal 0Protein 4.9Fat 65.8Carbs Biocurv Medical Instruments, Inc. Mancuso, Sorbetto, Lemon, Lemon Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 138kcal 1.2Protein 0Fat 30Carbs
Red 40 (29042 products) Caramel Color (26361 products) Yellow 5 (22110 products) Blue 1 (21089 products) Paprika (17550 products) Yellow 6 (16918 products) Turmeric (12460 products) Annatto (11632 products)

All food colors →

Learn more

Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6: What the Evidence Says →

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

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.