Is Annatto (E160b) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E160b

Also known as: Bixin, Norbixin, Annatto extract, Achiote

Source

Extracted from the seeds of the Bixa orellana (achiote) tree, native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Entirely plant-derived.

Commonly found in

Cheese (particularly Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, Edam, Gouda), butter, margarine, smoked fish, rice dishes, snack foods.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed — E160b is vegan. Ironically, annatto is often used in non-vegan cheeses but is itself always plant-based.

Notes

One of the oldest natural food colorants. Used by indigenous communities in the Americas for centuries as a body paint and food dye. The primary colourant in many commercially produced cheeses — the orange colour of Red Leicester and American cheddar is annatto, not natural cheese colour. When you see an orange cheese, the annatto is vegan even if the cheese is not.