Tag: Cheese color

In 2022, global cheese production exceeded 22 million metric tons. A common sight in supermarkets is the varied shade of cheese, from bright white to deep orange. So, why does cheese have a yellow color, and what factors, from the cow's diet to cheesemaking traditions, influence this visual characteristic?

Believe it or not, the creamy yellow-orange hue of cheddar isn't its natural color; genuine cheddar is actually off-white. The vibrant yellow color is created by adding a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. This practice has a rich history tied to cheesemaking traditions and consumer expectations.

Annatto, a natural red-orange food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, has been used in cheesemaking since as early as the 16th century. Originally used in England, cheesemakers added this plant-based dye to mimic the rich, deep yellow color of cheese made from the milk of summer-pastured cows.

Annatto is a natural food coloring used in cheese for centuries, but for some people, allergic reactions can occur. Extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree, annatto is a natural alternative to synthetic dyes, generally safe for most consumers, but it has been linked to rare cases of food-related allergies.