Annatto extract

Name: Annatto extract
Brand: IMBAREX
Availability: InStock

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Annatto is a natural colorant derived from achiote seeds (Bixa orellana), widely used as an annatto dye (E160b) in industrial formulations. Recognized for its strong coloring efficiency, it provides shades from bright yellow to orange, positioning it as a reliable natural yellow food coloring and natural orange dye.

Depending on the formulation needs, annatto extract color is supplied in powder, liquid, and oil suspension formats, allowing controlled performance in both aqueous and fat-based systems across multiple industries.

Applications

Bakery

Beverages

Confectionery

Dairy products and ice cream

Meats

Pet food

Pharma

Snacks

Soups, sauces and seasonings

Color range

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FAQs about the Annatto extract

This section provides practical insights into its key characteristics, available formats, typical uses, and important technical considerations about Annatto extract.

Annatto extract is a natural colorant obtained from achiote (Bixa orellana) seeds and standardized for industrial use. From a technical standpoint, E160b represents a color system composed of oil-soluble bixin and water-dispersible norbixin, supplied in powder, liquid, and oil suspension formats depending on the application requirements.

According to the technical sheet, annatto extract color shows good stability to heat and light, making it suitable for industrial processes involving thermal treatment. Both annatto coloring fractions—bixin and norbixin—maintain chromatic performance within their recommended pH ranges when correctly formulated.

Annatto extract is used as a natural yellow food coloring and natural orange dye because it combines plant-based origin with strong coloring efficiency and formulation flexibility. Derived from achiote seeds, annatto delivers stable yellow-to-orange shades using relatively low dosages. Its availability in oil-soluble and water-dispersible formats allows manufacturers to apply annatto extract color across fat-based and aqueous systems, making it a reliable natural alternative to synthetic food color yellow additives.

Annatto dye refers to annatto-derived pigments supplied in different technical forms like Bixin powder (up to 30% concentration) for fat-based systems, Annatto oil suspension (AOS) for oil-rich formulations, and Norbixin powder and solutions for aqueous applications. Each format is designed to optimize dispersion and color uniformity depending on the formulation medium.

Bixin is the oil-soluble fraction of annatto extract (E160b). It is supplied as a dark orange powder or as an oil suspension (AOS), with concentrations up to 30% and 10% respectively. Bixin is technically recommended for products containing animal or vegetable fats, such as cheese, margarine, snacks, spices, and dressings, where lipid solubility ensures stable color distribution.

Norbixin is the water-dispersible fraction derived from annatto. Unlike bixin, norbixin is soluble in alkaline solutions or fully water-soluble when supplied in neutralized forms. It is technically suited for beverages, confectionery, pastries, desserts, meats, and vegetables where aqueous dispersion is required.

According to the technical data: Norbixin powder and water-soluble forms operate within pH 5.0 – 12.0, and Norbixin acid-stable liquid is formulated to perform in pH ranges as low as 3.5 – 12.0. This allows annatto coloring to be used in both neutral and low-pH formulations when the appropriate norbixin format is selected.

Yes, when using norbixin acid-stable liquid. This specific annatto extract format is designed for low-pH products such as beverages, dressings, confectionery, and certain meat applications, offering stable food color yellow to orange tones under acidic conditions.

Manufacturers prefer annatto extract because it offers: Natural origin from achiote, Multiple technical formats (bixin and norbixin), Good heat and light stability, and Broad pH application range depending on formulation. These properties make annatto dye a reliable alternative to synthetic food color yellow additives in industrial production.

E160b is not a single pigment but a regulated color system. It includes oil-soluble bixin and water-dispersible norbixin, allowing manufacturers to select the appropriate annatto fraction based on formulation type, processing conditions, and target application.

FAQs about the coloring Carmine E120

What is carmine colorant?

Carmine colorant, also known as E120, is a natural red food color obtained from cochineal extract. It is widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications due to its excellent color stability, high tinting strength, and clean-label origin.

What is the meaning of E120?

E120 is the regulatory code used in food labeling, while carmine is the commercial name commonly used in the natural colorants industry.

Is carmine FDA approved?

Yes. Carmine (E120) is approved by the FDA for use as a color additive in food and cosmetic products, provided it meets purity and labeling requirements established by U.S. regulations.

What are the labeling requirements for carmine (E120)?

According to U.S. regulations, products containing carmine or cochineal extract must clearly declare it on the label due to allergen transparency requirements. Proper labeling ensures regulatory compliance and consumer trust.

What is cochineal extract used for?

Cochineal extract is the raw material used to produce carmine colorant. It provides a natural red hue and is valued for its stability in heat, light, and various pH conditions, making it suitable for multiple industrial applications.

What applications is carmine colorant suitable for?

Carmine colorant is commonly used in dairy products, beverages, confectionery, meat products, cosmetics, and pet food, where stable and vibrant red shades are required.

Where can I buy carmine powder or E120 food color?

Food-grade carmine powder (E120) can be purchased from manufacturers and suppliers specializing in natural colorants, such as IMBAREX, which comply with international quality and regulatory standards.

Is food-grade cochineal extract available for industrial use?

Yes. Food-grade cochineal extract is available in multiple formats and concentrations, including carminic acid, water-soluble carmine, carmine lake, liquid carmine, and oil-based carmine suspensions. These formats are designed for industrial food and beverage manufacturing and should be sourced from qualified suppliers to ensure regulatory compliance and consistent performance.

IMBAREX supplies carmine powder to the USA and EU?

Yes. IMBAREX supplies carmine powder to the USA and the European Union in compliance with FDA and EU regulatory requirements. Our carmine products offer consistent quality, full traceability, and technical support for industrial food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.

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