Comparing E160AI - Beta-carotene vs E161 - Xanthophylls

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Overview

E160AI - Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene (E160a(i)) is a bright yellow–orange color used in many foods and drinks. It’s the same natural pigment that makes carrots orange, and the body can convert it into vitamin A. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow its use as a food color when good manufacturing practices are followed.

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

E160ai

Beta-carotene

E161

Xanthophylls

Functions

colour

Origins

Products

Found in 5,601 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#2422K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#314530 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.05

under-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

Does beta carotene make you tan?
High intakes can give the skin a yellow‑orange tint (carotenodermia), especially on the palms and soles; it’s not a melanin “tan” and fades when intake is reduced.
Is beta carotene bad for you?
At the amounts used as a food color and from normal diets, it’s considered safe; however, high‑dose supplements have been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers and asbestos‑exposed people and can cause temporary skin yellowing.
What foods have beta carotene?
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, spinach, kale, collards, apricots, mango, cantaloupe, and red/orange peppers are rich sources; it’s also added as color (E160a) to some foods.
Is beta carotene vitamin a?
No—it's a provitamin A carotenoid that your body converts to vitamin A (retinol) as needed.
How much beta carotene per day?
There’s no specific daily requirement for beta‑carotene; most people can meet vitamin A needs via carotenoid‑rich foods, and high‑dose beta‑carotene supplements (around 20 mg/day or more) are not recommended for smokers.