Ingredient

Egg Shade Color

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add Egg Shade Color to foods to give them a yellow or orange …

What is Egg Shade Color?

Egg Shade Color is a food coloring made from annatto and turmeric. Annatto comes from the seeds of the achiote tree, and turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. These natural colorants are processed to create a shade that mimics the color of egg yolks.

Is Egg Shade Color vegan?

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

Is Egg Shade Color gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Egg Shade Color a major allergen?

Egg Shade Color is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens.

What is Egg Shade Color used for?

Manufacturers add Egg Shade Color to foods to give them a yellow or orange hue, similar to that of egg yolks.

Is Egg Shade Color safe?

Egg Shade Color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Egg Shade Color to foods to give them a yellow or orange hue, similar to that of egg yolks. It is often used in baked goods like croissants, muffins, and pastries, as well as in frozen appetizers, pizza, and ice cream.

Health notes

Egg Shade Color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. Annatto and turmeric are widely consumed in foods and are not associated with adverse health effects at typical intake levels. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated annatto and turmeric and found them to be safe. No significant controversies exist regarding the safety of these ingredients at levels used in food.

Allergen info

Egg Shade Color is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Egg Shade Color

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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.