Ingredient

Enzymes Annatto

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Annatto is primarily used to impart a yellow to deep orange color to foods, …

What it is

Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground and processed to extract the carotenoid pigments, primarily bixin and norbixin, which give annatto its characteristic yellow-orange to red color.

Why it's used

Annatto is primarily used to impart a yellow to deep orange color to foods, often as a replacement for artificial colorings. It is commonly found in dairy products like cheese and butter, as well as in baked goods, snacks, processed meats, and some seafood.

Health notes

Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is considered safe at typical consumption levels. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated annatto and established specifications for its use. While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, although this is rare.

Allergen info

Annatto is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Enzymes Annatto

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PORT SALUT Port Salut, Semi Soft Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 357kcal 21.4Protein 28.6Fat 3.6Carbs PEPPERIDGE FARM Pepperidge Farm Crackers Biscuits/Cookies 467kcal 10Protein 16.7Fat 63.3Carbs Riverside Foods Original Cheese Nuggets Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 319kcal 16Protein 17Fat 26Carbs Pepperidge Farm Inc. Pepperidge Farm Crackers Biscuits/Cookies 467kcal 10Protein 16.7Fat 63.3Carbs Agri-Mark, Inc. Cheddar Cheese, Cheddar Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 357kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Paradise Eximport, Inc. Biscuits, Sharp Cheddar Buttermilk Frozen Bread & Dough 263kcal 5.3Protein 11.8Fat 34.2Carbs Kiolbassa Provision Company Slow-Crafted Smoked Meats Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 357kcal 14.3Protein 32.1Fat 1.8Carbs Renaissance Food Group, LLC Simplicity All Natural* Ham Sandwich, Uncured Ham & Vermont Cheddar Cheese Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 58% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 202kcal 15.9Protein 7.7Fat 16.3Carbs Renaissance Food Group, LLC Deluxe Roast Beef Pinwheels Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 42% DV per serving 198kcal 17.3Protein 7.8Fat 13.8Carbs Renaissance Food Group, LLC Deluxe Roast Beef Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 198kcal 17.6Protein 6.5Fat 18.7Carbs Fresh Mix LLC Virginia Ham And Cheddar, Mesquite Turkey And Provolone On Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Slider Party Tray, Virginia Ham, Cheddar, Mesquite Turkey, Hawaiian Sweet Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 260kcal 15.6Protein 10.4Fat 27.3Carbs Mom Made Foods Mom Made, Beef & Cheese Meatball Bites Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 176kcal 16.5Protein 10.6Fat 3.5Carbs

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.