Comparing E160B - Annatto vs E150A - Plain caramel

Synonyms
E160b
Annatto
bixin
norbixin
roucou
achiote
annatto norbixin
annatto bixin
Orlean
Terre orellana
L. Orange
CI Natural Orange 4
E150a
Plain caramel
caramel color
caramel coloring
Functions
Products

Found in 11,746 products

Found in 156 products

Search rank & volume
#3679.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#1537.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.99
normal

×7.16
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 12 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is annatto bad for you?

    Annatto (E160b) is generally considered safe at typical food use levels, with regulatory bodies recognizing it and setting acceptable daily intakes for its pigments. A small number of people may have allergic reactions (e.g., hives or itching), so they should avoid it.

  2. What is annatto color?

    Annatto color is a natural yellow‑orange dye from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), mainly composed of the carotenoids bixin and norbixin. It’s commonly used to color foods like cheeses, butter, and snacks.

  3. What is annatto extract?

    Annatto extract is the standardized color additive obtained by extracting the pigments bixin (oil‑soluble) or norbixin (water‑soluble) from annatto seeds. These forms are used to impart yellow to orange hues in foods depending on whether the product is fat‑ or water‑based.

  4. Why is annatto bad for you?

    It isn’t generally bad for you; concerns mainly involve rare allergic reactions or intolerance in sensitive individuals. Authorities have set safety limits (ADIs) for its extracts, and typical dietary exposure is well below these levels.

  5. Que es achiote?

    El achiote (annatto, E160b) es un colorante natural obtenido de las semillas de Bixa orellana que aporta tonos amarillo‑naranja a los alimentos. Sus pigmentos principales son bixina (liposoluble) y norbixina (hidrosoluble), usados en productos como quesos y mantequilla.

  1. What color is caramel?

    Caramel color (E150a) gives foods a brown hue, ranging from light golden-brown to deep dark brown depending on the amount used.

  2. What is caramel color made of?

    E150a is made by controlled heating (caramelizing) of sugars such as sucrose, glucose syrup, or corn syrup, without adding ammonium or sulfite compounds.

  3. Does caramel color cause cancer?

    Class I caramel color (E150a) is not made with ammonia and isn’t associated with the 4‑MEI concern seen in some other caramel classes; regulators consider it safe at permitted food levels.

  4. Does caramel color have gluten?

    No—caramel color is generally gluten-free; even when sourced from wheat, processing removes gluten proteins to below regulatory thresholds.

  5. How to lighten dark brown hair to caramel color?

    E150a is a food color, not for cosmetic use; to achieve a caramel hair shade, use hair dye/bleach products and consult a professional stylist for safe lightening.