Spice oleoresins & extracts — bulk B2B export from India📞 +91 8767675175info@svbotanica.com
Botanical NameBixa orellana
Part UsedSeed coat (pericarp)
FormOil-soluble extract / water-soluble
Bixin Range2%–10%
EU StatusE160b — approved natural colour
Shelf Life24 months

About Annatto Extract (Bixin)

Annatto Extract is derived from the seeds of Bixa orellana and is one of the most widely used natural food colourants globally, approved as E160b under EU food regulations. Standardised for bixin (oil-soluble) and norbixin (water-soluble), it delivers consistent warm orange-yellow pigmentation for dairy, snack, confectionery, and processed food applications. SV Botanica supplies both oil-dispersible and water-soluble annatto grades with consistent colour strength for food manufacturing.

Key Advantages

  • EU-approved natural food colourant (E160b) — globally recognised
  • Both oil-soluble (bixin) and water-soluble (norbixin) grades available
  • Consistent warm orange-yellow colour for food manufacturing
  • Clean-label natural alternative to synthetic annatto dyes
  • Excellent colour stability in dairy fats and food oils
  • Water-soluble grade for dairy, beverages, and aqueous systems
  • Full EU food colour documentation and food safety certificates
  • Non-GMO and organic grades available

Available Grades & Standardisations

We supply Annatto Extract (Bixin) in multiple standardisations to match your application requirements. Custom specifications available on request.

Grade / SpecificationKey ParameterTypical Use
Oil-Soluble (Bixin)Bixin 2%–5%Dairy, margarine, snack coatings
High Bixin GradeBixin 5%–10%Premium food colour, concentrated
Water-Soluble (Norbixin)Norbixin standardisedBeverages, dairy drinks, aqueous foods
Powder GradeBixin 2%–5%Dry seasoning, spice blends
Organic GradeUSDA NOP certifiedOrganic food applications

Technical Specifications

AppearanceDeep orange to reddish-orange liquid or powder
OdourMild, characteristic annatto aroma
SolubilityOil-soluble (bixin); water-soluble (norbixin)
Bixin ContentStandardised per grade (2%–10%)
EU Colour DesignationE160b
Heavy MetalsNMT 10 ppm
Pesticide ResiduesWithin EU MRL limits
MicrobialTPC NMT 10,000 cfu/g
Shelf Life24 months
StorageCool, dark place below 20°C — light sensitive

Industry Applications

Annatto Extract (Bixin) is used across multiple industries for its standardised quality and consistent performance batch after batch.

Dairy Products

Natural orange colour in cheddar cheese, butter, margarine, and cream cheese.

Snack Coatings

Orange-yellow colour for tortilla chips, cheese puffs, and extruded snacks.

Processed Meats

Natural colour in sausages, hot dogs, smoked meats, and deli products.

Beverages

Natural orange colourant in juices, soft drinks, and dairy beverages.

Confectionery

Warm yellow-orange in candies, coatings, and bakery icings.

Margarine & Spreads

Classic yellow-orange colour for margarine and fat-based spreads.

Ready Meals

Natural colour in rice dishes, soups, and convenience meals.

Cosmetics

Natural pigment for lipstick, blush, and warm-toned cosmetic products.

Packaging Options

Annatto Extract (Bixin) is supplied in food-grade, light-protected packaging to preserve quality during transport and storage.

  • 1 kg airtight foil pouches (samples)
  • 5 kg HDPE containers — light protected
  • 25 kg HDPE drums — light protected
  • 50 kg and 200 kg steel drums (bulk)
  • Light-protected packaging critical for colour stability
  • Custom packaging for food and cosmetic buyers

Minimum Order Quantity

Sample orders from 100g. Trial orders from 1 kg. Commercial orders from 25 kg. Full container loads for high-volume buyers.

Need water-soluble norbixin or high-bixin grade?

We supply annatto in oil and water-soluble grades. Share your colour specification.

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