Comparison
Annatto vs Tartrazine
The short answer
Annatto is the better pick for most families: a seed extract with no warning label. Yellow 5 is brighter, cheaper and very stable, but EU packages must warn it may affect children's attention.| Side by side | Annatto | Tartrazine (Yellow 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety score | 86/100 Generally safe | 40/100 Best to avoid |
| Made from | Achiote seeds ✓ Better | Petroleum-based synthesis |
| EU warning label | Not required ✓ Better | Required |
| Shade | Yellow to orange | Bright lemon yellow |
| Allergies | Rare reactions reported | Rare reactions, more with aspirin sensitivity |
| Heat and light stability | Good | Very stable ✓ Better |
| Safety score | 86 ✓ Better | 40 |
Swapping one for the other
Many US brands of mac and cheese and cheese crackers have already switched from Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 to annatto and paprika. Check the label for "annatto" or "colored with paprika."
Common questions
Is annatto a dye?
It's a natural color, extracted from seeds. In the US it's exempt from the certification required for synthetic dyes like Yellow 5.