Ingredient

In Cheddar Cheese

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Annatto is used to impart a yellow to orange color in a variety of …

What it is

Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground into a powder or processed into a paste, which gives foods a yellow to deep orange hue.

Why it's used

Annatto is used to impart a yellow to orange color in a variety of foods, including cheeses, butter, baked goods, and snacks. It is often used as a natural alternative to artificial food colorings.

Health notes

Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is not typically associated with adverse health effects when consumed in amounts found in food. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto and its extracts.

Allergen info

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

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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.