Colour: E160a
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What it is
Beta-carotene is a pigment found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes. It can be produced synthetically or extracted from natural sources and then processed for use as a food ingredient. It gives foods a yellow to orange color.
Why it's used
Beta-carotene is used as a food coloring agent to give products a yellow to orange hue. It is commonly found in baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and processed foods.
Health notes
In the U.S., beta-carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is also a source of Vitamin A. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated beta-carotene. At typical dietary levels, it is considered safe. High intake of beta-carotene from supplements can have adverse effects, but this is not typically a concern from food sources.
Allergen info
Beta-carotene is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.