CheckVegan

Is Annatto vegetarian?

Annatto

Vegetarian Vegetarian
Vegan Vegan

Annatto is a natural orange-red colourant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions. It is used as a food colourant and in cosmetics, and contains bixin and norbixin as its main pigments. It is listed as E160b in the EU.

Also known as 6,6'-Diapo-psi.,psi.-carotenedioic acid, Achiote, ANNATTO, Annatto extract, Bixa orellana seed extract, Bixin, Bixin/Norbixin, E 160, E160, INS 160, Norbixin, Roucou, Urucu
INCI name Annatto
E number E160b
INS number 160b
CAS number 1393-63-1
EC number 289-561-2
CI number CI 75120
CosIng ID 74509
Last reviewed 14 July 2026

An ingredient is considered vegetarian if it avoids components derived from killing an animal.

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