Annatto Color
Flavors + Colors
Questionable
Details
Definition
A food coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree. Used to produce a range of colors from yellow to dark orange-red.
AKAs
Annatto
Health Impact
Generally considered safe for most people, annatto color is also linked to potential health benefits including reduced inflammation. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction to annatto which can cause itchiness, swelling, low blood pressure, hives, and stomach pain. It can also trigger symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) in some situations.
Sources
An evidence-based systematic review of annatto
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22432803/Anaphylaxis to annatto dye: a case report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1994783/Annatto and IBS
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19687751/