Explore EXBERRY® natural annatto extract for oil-based systems—an effective, clean-label alternative to synthetic Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes.
Looking to replace synthetic yellow dyes? EXBERRY® Annatto OS Intense is a highly concentrated, annatto extract that delivers golden yellow to deep orange hues—ideal for oil- and fat-based applications. Produced without organic solvents, it offers clean-label appeal and powerful performance.
As food and beverage manufacturers respond to growing consumer demand for cleaner, simpler ingredients, the spotlight is turning toward natural food colors. With states across the U.S. introducing new regulations around synthetic dyes like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, many brands are seeking natural solutions that align with clean-label strategies—without compromising vibrancy or stability.
What Is Annatto Coloring?
Annatto coloring is a natural pigment derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), long used in traditional cuisines to impart rich yellow-orange hues. EXBERRY® Annatto OS Intense is a fat-soluble, bixin-based annatto extract made using a gentle alkaline water extraction method—avoiding organic solvents like hexane or acetone. The result is a natural annatto extract that offers superior performance and a consumer-friendly label, such as “annatto extract (color)” in the U.S. or «color: annatto bixin» in the EU.
Key Benefits of EXBERRY® Annatto OS Intense:
- Clean-label compliant: Produced without organic solvents and compatible with major grocery chain ingredient standards
- Oil-soluble: Perfect for use in fat-rich systems, from cheese to chocolates.
- Highly concentrated: A little goes a long way, delivering bold color at low use rates.
Ideal Applications for Annatto Extract
EXBERRY® Annatto OS Intense performs exceptionally well across a variety of oil- and fat-based systems where synthetic yellows are still common.
Cheese Products & Snack Seasonings
Whether you’re producing powdered sauces for mac & cheese, cheddar-style cheeses, or snack seasonings, this annatto extract provides the classic warm yellow-orange hue consumers expect—without artificial dyes
Bakery Fillings, Toppings & Chocolate Coatings
Create warm, golden tones in fat-rich frostings, fillings, chocolates, and compound coatings. Its oil solubility makes it especially compatible with cocoa butter and other fat-based ingredients.
Dressings & Marinades
In emulsified oil-based dressings and savory marinades, EXBERRY® Annatto OS Intense delivers rich, appealing color and consistent performance.
Covering the full yellow-to-orange spectrum
Our Application Team partners with food and beverage manufacturers worldwide to support color reformulation projects. Whether you’re matching a signature orange hue, replacing synthetic dyes in an existing recipe, or launching a new product with a clean-label strategy, we offer technical support and custom color development tailored to your formulation needs.
Go further with oil-soluble natural colors
Looking to expand beyond annatto coloring? Our oil-soluble color range also includes:
- EXBERRY® Yellow Carotene OS – A clean-label solution for bright yellow hues, made from sustainable plant sources
- EXBERRY® Vivid Orange OS – Derived from paprika, this vibrant orange option adds visual impact to oil-based and fat-rich formulations
Together with Annatto OS Intense, these colors give you a complete toolkit for replacing synthetic yellow dyes in fat-soluble systems—naturally and effectively.
Ready to Rethink Your Fat-Soluble Color Strategy?
With consumers and regulators pushing for clean-label transparency, now is the time to transition away from synthetic dyes.
EXBERRY® Annatto OS Intense helps you deliver bold, natural color in oil-soluble formats—without sacrificing performance or compliance.
We offer:
- Color matching services for reformulation and brand consistency
- Samples for hands-on trials in your production environment
- Expert technical support tailored to your process and application
Curious about what annatto coloring can do for your products?
Fill out the form to request a sample or speak with your account representative.