Is Annatto Food Coloring Safe to Eat?

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, allergic reactions to annatto appear to be more common than reactions to commonly used synthetic food dyes, though still rare. This raises a critical question for many consumers: Is annatto food coloring safe to eat? For the vast majority, the answer is yes, but certain individuals need to be cautious.

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety of annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the achiote tree. It details its uses, potential side effects including allergies and IBS, and key health benefits while clarifying its regulatory status and common applications.

Key Points

Generally Safe: Annatto is considered safe for most people in the small amounts used in food, and its use is approved by major food safety agencies globally.
Potential for Allergies: A small number of individuals may experience allergic reactions, with symptoms ranging from hives and swelling to abdominal pain and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
Can Trigger IBS: In susceptible individuals, annatto has been known to trigger or worsen symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as bloating and diarrhea.
Rich in Antioxidants: Annatto contains powerful antioxidants, including bixin, norbixin, and tocotrienols, which may offer various health benefits like fighting oxidative stress and supporting eye health.
Commonly Found in Foods: It is a common additive in many processed foods, including cheese, butter, snacks, and baked goods, and is often labeled as 'annatto' or 'annatto extract'.
Alternative to Synthetic Dyes: Annatto is a stable, natural food coloring that provides an effective alternative to many synthetic dyes, especially for achieving yellow and orange tones.

What is Annatto?

Annatto is a natural food coloring and condiment extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds contain carotenoid pigments, primarily bixin and norbixin, which give annatto its vibrant yellow to deep orange-red color. It's used in various cuisines and found in numerous processed foods like cheese, butter, snacks, and baked goods. Historically, it has also been used for purposes beyond food, such as body paint and insect repellent.

Is Annatto a Safe Food Additive?

Annatto is considered safe for most people when consumed in typical food amounts. Food safety agencies globally approve its use. The U.S. FDA lists it as a color additive "exempt from certification," and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the safety of its extracts and established acceptable daily intake levels. Despite being natural, it can cause adverse effects in a small number of individuals, particularly allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues.

Potential Side Effects and Health Risks

Although generally safe, annatto can lead to side effects in sensitive individuals. These are uncommon but important to note.

Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of food-related allergies to annatto have been reported. Symptoms can include hives, swelling (angioedema), and abdominal pain, with anaphylaxis being very rare. Some research from 1978 suggested that reactions might be more common among individuals with chronic hives compared to certain synthetic dyes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Flare-ups: Annatto may trigger or worsen IBS symptoms like pain, bloating, and diarrhea in susceptible people.
Drug Interactions: There is potential for annatto to interact with some medications, including anti-diabetes drugs, by affecting how the liver processes them. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for those taking medication.

Comparison of Annatto to Other Natural Food Colorings

As consumers look for natural food colors, annatto is a frequent choice. Here's how it compares to some others:


Feature	Annatto	Turmeric	Beta-Carotene
Source	Seeds of the achiote tree	Root of the turmeric plant	Fruits and vegetables (e.g., carrots)
Color Range	Yellow to orange-red	Bright yellow	Yellow to orange
Flavor Impact	Mildly sweet and peppery	Strong, earthy flavor	Neutral
Heat Stability	Very stable	Not as stable; can fade quickly	Varies depending on formulation
pH Stability	Fairly stable across different pH levels	Sensitive; turns red at high pH	Stable at various pH levels
Regulatory Status	Exempt from certification in US	Widely approved	Widely approved

Health Benefits of Annatto

Annatto offers potential health benefits due to beneficial compounds it contains.

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Annatto contains antioxidants like bixin, norbixin, and tocotrienols, which help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Eye Health Support: Carotenoids in annatto, such as norbixin, have shown potential in animal studies to help reduce the build-up of a compound linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

3. Potential Antimicrobial Properties: Extracts from annatto have shown the ability to inhibit certain bacteria and fungi in test-tube studies, suggesting potential use in food preservation and fighting microbes.

4. Possible Anti-inflammatory Effects: Research suggests annatto compounds may help reduce inflammation markers. Animal studies indicate annatto extracts could decrease allergy-related swelling by blocking inflammatory substances.

Conclusion

Annatto food coloring is a generally safe and natural alternative to synthetic dyes for most consumers, providing desirable color and potential health benefits from its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, a small number of people may experience allergic reactions, worsened IBS symptoms, or drug interactions. Those experiencing adverse effects should consult a doctor and avoid foods with annatto. Awareness of personal sensitivities and checking food labels are key.

Authoritative Source

For comprehensive information on food additives, including annatto, a reliable resource is the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Annatto is a natural food coloring and condiment derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). It is used to impart a yellow to deep orange-red color to a variety of foods.

Yes, while rare, annatto can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, and other hypersensitivity reactions.

Annatto may trigger symptoms in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Individuals with IBS should monitor their reactions and may need to limit or avoid annatto.

Annatto is used in many processed foods, including cheddar cheese, margarine, butter, cereals, snack foods, and baked goods. It is also a common ingredient in Latin American cuisine.

Yes, annatto contains antioxidants like carotenoids and tocotrienols, which may provide health benefits such as fighting cell damage, supporting eye health, and reducing inflammation.

In the U.S., the FDA considers annatto extract a color additive 'exempt from certification,' and it is informally considered a natural coloring. Its use is approved, but like all food additives, certain rules apply.

Both are natural yellow colorings, but annatto offers better heat stability and a milder flavor impact compared to turmeric. Annatto can also provide orange and red shades that turmeric cannot naturally achieve.