Comparing E160 - Carotenoids vs E161 - Xanthophylls

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Overview

E160 - Carotenoids

Carotenoids (E160) are a family of yellow, orange, and red color additives used to make foods look bright and consistent. They can come from plants, algae, fermentation, or careful chemical synthesis, and include well-known members like beta‑carotene, lycopene, annatto, and paprika extract. Some carotenoids also act as provitamin A, depending on the type and amount used.

E161 - Xanthophylls

Xanthophylls (E161) are natural yellow to orange-red pigments from the carotenoid family. In food, they are used mainly as color additives, with examples including lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin. They can come from plants and algae, or be made by synthesis.

Synonyms

E160

Carotenoids

E161

Xanthophylls

Functions

colour

Origins

Products

Found in 30 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#1419.6K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#314530 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×40.02

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What foods have carotenoids?
Brightly colored fruits and vegetables—carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, red/orange peppers, spinach, kale, corn, mangoes, apricots—naturally contain carotenoids; egg yolks and dairy have smaller amounts.
What is the ul for carotenoids?
No tolerable upper intake level is set for total carotenoids from foods; specific E160 colorants have ADIs (e.g., lycopene E160d: 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day by EFSA), and high-dose beta-carotene supplements are not advised for smokers.
What are carotenoids in photosynthesis?
They are accessory pigments that broaden light harvesting (mainly in the blue–green range) and protect photosystems by quenching singlet oxygen and dissipating excess energy (photoprotection).
What foods are high in carotenoids?
Top sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, kale, collards, tomatoes and tomato products, red/orange peppers, mango, papaya, apricots, cantaloupe, and corn.
What foods contain carotenoids?
As additives (E160), carotenoids are used to color margarines/spreads, cheeses, yogurts and dairy drinks, fruit beverages, confectionery, baked goods, sauces, and some processed meats and snacks.