Artificial additives
Annatto
Definition
What it is
Annatto (bixin/norbixin, E160b): natural orange-yellow dye from seeds of the achiote tree; documented cases of allergic reactions and IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.
On the label
How it appears on labels
- annatto
- bixin
- norbixin
- e160b
Regulation
Regulatory status
No bans or restrictions are recorded for this ingredient in the jurisdictions clearlabel tracks (US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia/NZ, Brazil).
Explainer
In plain language
Annatto is a natural orange to yellow coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree. Its coloring comes from pigments called bixin and norbixin, and it is one of the oldest natural food colors still in wide use. It does one job: it gives foods a warm yellow-orange color, from cheese to snacks.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
Annatto is a natural color and is broadly permitted, so the flag is not about widespread toxicity. The reason Clear Label tracks it is documented, though uncommon, allergic and hypersensitivity reactions in some people. Case reports, including work summarized in the medical literature around 2008, describe IgE-mediated reactions to annatto in sensitive individuals. These reactions appear to be rare, and most people consume annatto with no issue. Clear Label flags it at low severity so that people who suspect a color sensitivity can see when it is present and test the pattern in their own logs.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Cheddar and other colored cheeses
- Butter and margarine
- Snack crackers and cheese-flavored snacks
- Breakfast cereals
- Smoked fish and some cured products
- Rice dishes and seasoning blends
Practical
Reading the label
Annatto may appear as annatto, annatto extract, bixin, norbixin, or E160b. It sometimes hides in foods that are not obviously orange, where it is used to warm up or standardize color.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Some people who react to annatto choose uncolored cheeses, which are often paler, or products colored with other natural sources. Comparing labels on two versions of the same food is usually the quickest way to find one without it.
FAQ
Common questions
Is annatto safe?
For most people annatto is well tolerated and it is permitted as a natural color in the US, EU, and other markets. The main documented issue is rare allergic or hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive individuals.
Is annatto natural or artificial?
Annatto is a natural color extracted from achiote seeds. Being natural does not rule out sensitivity, which is why some people still track it.
How would I know if I react to annatto?
Reactions are uncommon and vary, so the honest approach is to note when foods contain it and log any symptoms over time. Clear Label is built to help you see whether that pattern holds for you.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.