Is Annatto Safe If You're Allergic to Nuts?

Summary: Did you know that the natural coloring making your favorite cheese and snacks orange could actually cause an allergic reaction? It's called annatto, and it comes from the seeds of a tropical plant called the lipstick tree. Even though annatto is not a tree nut, some people who have nut allergies can have a bad reaction to it, including severe ones like anaphylaxis.

You can find annatto in popular foods like Velveeta cheese, Cheetos, Goldfish crackers, and even in some cosmetics. Because food makers use it as a natural dye, it won't have a standard "nut warning" on the label. If you have a nut allergy and feel sick after eating orange-colored snacks, you might want to ask your doctor about an annatto allergy. You will have to read ingredient lists very carefully to stay safe!

For more details, see rssapp-verywellhealth-com at verywellhealth.com/what-is-an-annatto-allergy-1324369 (opens in new tab)