E160a Beta-Carotene

E160aColorsOrigin: Lab-made

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

Beta-carotene itself is plant-identical, but the powder form is often coated in gelatin so it mixes into water.

Full answer ›

Gluten-freeYes

HalalDepends

Gelatin-coated forms may use pork gelatin. Look for halal certification.

KosherDepends

Gelatin-coated forms need kosher certification.

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Beta-carotene (E160a) is the orange pigment in carrots, and it's safe as a food color. Your body turns some of it into vitamin A. High-dose supplements raised lung cancer risk in smokers, but food coloring amounts are far smaller.

88/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE160a

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledBeta carotene, β-carotene

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada, and GRAS in the US. EFSA's 2012 review did not set a daily limit but found the amounts used as a food color are not a safety concern. The worries about beta-carotene come from high-dose supplements, not food coloring.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Beta-carotene is the yellow-orange pigment found in carrots, sweet potatoes and mangoes. Food makers use it to give margarine, cheese and drinks a warm yellow color, and it doubles as a source of vitamin A.

Where it comes from: Most food-grade beta-carotene is made synthetically and is identical to the natural form. It's also extracted from carrots, palm oil and Dunaliella algae, or made by fermentation with the fungus Blakeslea trispora.

Why it’s in food

Makes margarine and spreads look yellow
Colors cheese, drinks and baked goods orange or yellow
Adds vitamin A to fortified foods

Often found in

Margarine and spreadsOrange soda and juice drinksProcessed cheeseBaked goodsBreakfast cerealsVitamin-fortified foods

Also listed as: Beta carotene, β-carotene, Carotene, Mixed carotenes, Natural Yellow 26, Provitamin A

Health & gut impact

Vitamin ABenefit

The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A only as needed, so it doesn't cause vitamin A overdose the way some supplements can.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2012)

High-dose supplements in smokersUnder study

Two large trials found 20 to 30 mg a day of supplemental beta-carotene increased lung cancer in smokers. Food coloring adds far less than that.

ATBC Study, NEJM (1994); Omenn et al. (CARET), NEJM (1996)

What can I use instead?

Annatto

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Cheese and butter

Turmeric

Ratio: A pinch per cup

Best for: Rice, sauces and baking

Carrot juice

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Drinks and frosting

Is it vegan?

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Beetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue 1) E133Blue 1 (E133) is a synthetic blue dye with a cleaner safety record than most petroleum dyes, and it doesn't need a warning in the EU. It's still being removed from California school food and is part of the FDA's push to phase out synthetic dyes.Best to avoid Caramel Color (Sulfite Ammonia Caramel) E150dCaramel color (E150d) is the most common food coloring in the world and is considered safe at normal intakes. Its one real question mark is 4-MEI, a byproduct California lists as a carcinogen, which is why colas cut their levels.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Beta-Carotene safe?

Generally safe (88/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada, and GRAS in the US. EFSA's 2012 review did not set a daily limit but found the amounts used as a food color are not a safety concern. The worries about beta-carotene come from high-dose supplements, not food coloring.

Is Beta-Carotene vegan?

Depends. Beta-carotene itself is plant-identical, but the powder form is often coated in gelatin so it mixes into water.

Is Beta-Carotene gluten-free?

Yes.

Is beta-carotene the same as vitamin A?

Not quite. It's a provitamin: your body turns it into vitamin A when it needs more, which is why it's much harder to overdo than vitamin A itself.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 73.95 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E160a
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2012)
ATBC Study, NEJM (1994); Omenn et al. (CARET), NEJM (1996)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 160a · CAS 7235-40-7