Ingredient · E160a

Coloring: Beta Carotene

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Beta carotene is used as a food coloring agent to give products a yellow, …

What it is

Beta carotene is a pigment found in many fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes. It is often produced commercially through chemical synthesis or by extracting it from natural sources. In the body, beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A.

Why it's used

Beta carotene is used as a food coloring agent to give products a yellow, orange, or red hue. It is commonly found in dairy products, baked goods, beverages, and processed foods.

Health notes

Beta carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated beta carotene and established an acceptable daily intake. High intake of beta carotene from supplements has 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 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Coloring: Beta Carotene

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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.