Annatto is a natural colour from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). The red coating around the seeds contains the pigment bixin. INS 160b covers annatto extracts: sub-index (i) names the bixin-based extracts, which dissolve in oil, while 160b (ii) names the water-soluble norbixin-based extracts. In the EU annatto colours fall under E160b, and Codex lists them as colours.
Bixin gives a yellow to orange shade and has long been used to colour butter and cheese. Because it dissolves in fat, it suits oily coatings and buttery seasonings. On SeekSnack it appears with synthetic beta-carotene (INS 160a (i)) as the natural colour of Party Crispy Pie Butter Caramel, a butter caramel corn snack.
