Beta carotene

Beta carotene is a very concentrated food-grade, water-soluble powder. Mix a little with water. The end product can be from a light buttery yellow to a dark yellow. Beta carotene is a more buttery yellow than annatto.

Carotene is principally extracted from edible vegetable sources. It is one of several hundred carotenoids that are found occurring naturally and is distributed very widely.

Many staple foods, such as fruits, vegetables and diary products, contain beta carotene in nutritionally significant amounts. This pigment is soluble in oil but is also available in specially formulated water-dispersible forms to provide orange/yellow shades. Its chemical properties reflect is carotenoid structure in that it is stable to heat, pH and sulphur dioxide.