Annatto Oleoresin (Bixa orellana)
Introduction
Annatto Oleoresin is a concentrated extract obtained from the seeds of Bixa orellana, commonly known as the “achiote tree,” through solvent extraction or supercritical CO2 extraction (high purity). Unlike essential oils, annatto oleoresin is prized for its vibrant orange-red carotenoid pigments — mainly bixin and norbixin — rather than its aroma. Traditionally used by indigenous peoples of South America as a natural dye, annatto is used as natural food colorants worldwide, alternative to synthetic dyes in the dairy, beverage, snack, and condiment industries.
Botanical / Technical Profile
Botanical Name: Bixa orellana
Family: Bixaceae
Part of Plant Used: Seeds
Extraction Method: Solvent extraction or Supercritical CO2 extraction (high purity)
Main Chemical Constituents:
Bixin (80–90%) – oil-soluble, bright orange-red pigment
Norbixin – water-soluble pigment, orange-yellow color
Carotenoids (minor)
Resins & fixed oils – stabilizers for coloring
Appearance & Aroma:
Color: Deep orange to reddish-brown viscous liquid
Aroma: Mild, slightly nutty, earthy
Key Benefits of Annatto Oleoresin
Natural Food Coloring
Annatto oleoresin is widely used as a natural colorant in cheese, butter, margarine, and snacks, providing hues from yellow to deep orange depending on formulation.
Reference: A food colorant review highlighted annatto (bixin/norbixin) as one of the most widely used natural pigments in the food industry.
Dairy & Cheese Applications
Annatto is the go to natural color for cheddar, processed cheese, and butter, ensuring visual consistency and consumer appeal.
Reference: Studies found that annatto’s carotenoids bind well to dairy fats, giving stable yellow-orange shades without altering flavor.
Cultural & Culinary Value
Traditionally used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine for coloring rice, stews, and sauces, annatto oleoresin provides a natural alternative to artificial dyes.
Industry Applications of Annatto Oleoresin
Dairy & Cheese Industry
Annatto oleoresin is widely used as natural colorants in the dairy and cheese industry, to achieve the characteristic yellow to orange hue in cheddar, processed cheese, butter, and margarine. Its oil soluble nature ensures even color distribution and provide stability during heating, pasteurization, and storage.
Food Processing & Snacks
In the food processing and snack industries, annatto oleoresin is used to provide vibrant natural coloring without affecting taste or texture. It’s added to soups, sauces, seasoning blends, chips, and instant noodles to enhance visual appeal and brand consistency. The extract’s stability under heat and light makes it ideal for baked and fried products.
Beverages
Annatto oleoresin is used in the beverage industry to provide a natural, warm yellow to orange tint in products such as fruit juices, flavored waters, smoothies, and even alcoholic beverages. Its solubility and compatibility with emulsions make it suitable for both clear and opaque drink formulations. Beverage manufacturers prefer annatto because it maintains color stability without altering flavor profiles
Condiments & Sauces
In condiments and sauces, annatto oleoresin serves as a key natural colorant that enhances both visual appeal and consumer perception of freshness. It’s commonly used in ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressings, and hot sauces to create attractive golden or reddish tones. Because of its excellent emulsification properties, annatto integrates seamlessly into oil-based and water-based formulations, maintaining stability even in acidic or heat processed conditions.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
In the cosmetics and personal care industry, annatto oleoresin is valued as a safe, natural pigment derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is incorporated into lipsticks, creams, lotions, and soaps to provide rich golden to orange hues.
Quality & Certifications
At EssentialOilOnline.com, our Annatto Oleoresin is:
- 100% natural, solvent-extracted, GC/MS-tested
- Standardized for color value (bixin/norbixin content)
- Available in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic-grade certifications
- Responsibly sourced from South America and India
Annatto Oleoresin is a powerful natural coloring extract. With wide applications in dairy, snacks, beverages, condiments, and cosmetics, it stands as one of the most important natural food color in global wholesale trade.
👉 Order premium Annatto Oleoresin today in bulk. Request a wholesale quote for consistent supply and competitive pricing.
Disclaimer:
The health or medical information on this article / page is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare professional before using any essential oils, oleoresin or extracts.
