What it is
E160 is a family of carotene pigments. The main sub-classes used in food are:
- E160a — alpha-, beta- and gamma-carotene, from algae, carrots, palm oil, or fermentation
- E160b — annatto, from the seeds of the achiote tree
- E160c — paprika extract
- E160d — lycopene, from tomatoes
- E160e/f — beta-apo-8'-carotenal and its methyl ester, synthetic
Why it matters
Provides the orange-to-red colour in butter substitutes, cheese alternatives, soft drinks, ice cream, and many confectionery products.
What to do
All E160 sub-classes are vegan. The plant or algae origin is the most common in modern UK food production; synthetic E160e/f are also vegan. The closely-related E161 xanthophylls are likewise vegan.