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Generally halal
E160b (Annatto) is an orange-yellow colour extracted from annatto (achiote) seeds — a plant source — so it is generally considered halal.
Annatto is a natural orange-to-yellow colour extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is widely used to colour cheese, butter, snacks and cereals.
Extracted from annatto seeds (bixin/norbixin) using oil, water or solvents, then purified. The colour is plant-derived.
Annatto is extracted from a plant seed with no animal-derived material, so it is generally classified as halal. As always, the finished product still needs its own verification, and where a liquid preparation is used its carrier should be food-grade.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
AnnattoBixinNorbixinE160bColour (E160b)INS number: 160b
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Yes — it is an orange colour extracted from annatto seeds (a plant) with no animal-derived material, so it is generally considered halal. The finished product still needs verification.
No. It is extracted from the seeds of the achiote plant.
'Annatto', 'Bixin', 'Norbixin' or 'E160b'.
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.