Is Annatto (E160b) Halal?

The short answer

Annatto is a color made from achiote seeds. It has no animal source, so it is halal.

What is annatto?

Annatto gives food a yellow to orange color. It is taken from the seeds of the achiote tree, which grows in tropical parts of the Americas. You will see it in cheese, butter, snacks and cereals. On labels in some countries, it is listed as E160b.

Why is annatto a good sign on a label?

Annatto is often used instead of carmine, which is a red dye made from insects, or instead of lab-made dyes. That makes it a reassuring color to see on an ingredient list.

Common questions

Is annatto halal?

Yes. It is a color that comes from the seeds of the achiote tree.

Is E160b halal?

Yes. E160b is the code for annatto, which is halal.

Is annatto the same as carmine?

No. Annatto comes from plants and is halal. Carmine comes from insects, and scholars debate it. Annatto is often used as the halal alternative.

Why is some cheddar cheese orange?

Orange cheddar is usually colored with annatto. The annatto is halal, but the cheese still has its own question about rennet, so check that separately.