Ingredient

Organic Annatto Powder

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use annatto powder primarily as a natural coloring agent to give foods a …

What it is

Organic annatto powder 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 fine powder, which gives foods a yellow to orange-red color.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use annatto powder primarily as a natural coloring agent to give foods a vibrant yellow to orange hue. It is commonly found in salad dressings, mayonnaise, snack crackers, and powdered drink mixes.

Health notes

In the U.S., annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is not associated with significant health concerns when consumed in typical amounts found in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated annatto, but no specific numeric limits were set. Research has not identified major health risks associated with its consumption.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Organic Annatto Powder

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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.