annatto-bixin-norbixin

Annatto, Bixin & Norbixin

Natural Yellow and Orange Colorants

Annatto: Natural Yellow and Orange Colorant

Annatto colorants are high-performance natural pigments derived from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree. Known as Achiote across South America and Urucum in Brazil, this tropical tree produces seeds rich in Bixin, a powerful yellow-to-orange-red carotenoid. At BioconColors, we specialize in refining these raw seeds into high-purity coloring solutions for global industries.

Annatto seeds from BioconColors, a raw source for natural colorants like Bixin and Norbixin.

Bixin: The Ideal Solution for Oil-Based Applications

The primary pigment found in annatto seeds is Bixin. Due to its fat-soluble nature, Bixin is the industry standard for achieving consistent, vibrant orange and yellow hues in oil-based products.

  • Key Applications: Natural cheese coloring (including Cheddar and Red Leicester), processed cheese, snacks, fats, oils, butter, and margarine.

  • Benefit: Provides excellent light stability and a natural, “clean label” alternative to synthetic dyes.

Norbixin: Water-Soluble Natural Orange Pigments

Through a precise saponification process, we convert Bixin into Norbixin. This derivative is a highly versatile, water-soluble colorant that maintains the vibrant heat-stable properties of the original seed.

  • Key Applications: Sausage casings, dairy products, extruded snacks, confectionery, and fine pastry.

  • Benefit: Ensures uniform color distribution in water-based formulations and high-protein applications.

BioconColors, Natural colors, food couloring, food coloring, snacks and savory, cheese pops

Product Categories

Bixin

Characteristics of Bixin

  • Mono-carboxy carotenoid
  • Appearance: Dark brown
  • Insoluble in water and acid
  • Partially soluble in oil
  • Soluble in alkali

Bixin Powder

Annatto Extract

  • Product appearance: Orange brown coarse powder
  • Concentrated pigment obtained from annatto seeds
  • Must be diluted for use
  • Soluble in hot alkali solution, insoluble in water
  • Bixin content: Min. 25%
  • Color shade provided in application with high fat content: Yellow to Orange
  • Main applications: Bakery, confectionary, meat, Margarines, spice blends, processed cheese and snacks
  • Commercial name: Biocon Bixin Powder

Norbixin

Characteristics of Norbixin

  • Carboxy-carotenoid
  • Appearance: Dark brown
  • Insoluble in water, fat and oils
  • Soluble in alkali

Norbixin Powder

Annatto Extract

  • Product appearance: Dark brown powder
  • Concentrated norbixin pigment obtained from annatto seeds
  • Must be diluted before use
  • Soluble in hot alkali solution, insoluble in water
  • Norbixin content: Min. 35%
  • Color shade provided after dilution in alkali solution: Yellow to Orange
  • Main applications: Bakery, confectionary, ice creams, meat
  • Commercial name: Biocon Norbixin Powder

Water Soluble

  • Type 1:

    • Product appearance: Fine dark brown powder
    • Spray dried alkaline extract of annatto seeds
    • Completely soluble in water
    • Can be used in food applications with pH close to neutral
    • Norbixin content: Min. 15%
    • Color shade provided after dilution: Yellow to Orange
    • Main applications: Meat, spice blends, cheese, snacks, pastry, and cake powder
    • Commercial name: Biocon Norbixin – ENC range

     

    Type 2:

    • Product appearance: Fine light brown powder
    • Annatto stabilized in alkali
    • Completely soluble in hot water
    • Norbixin content: Min. 15%
    • Color shade provided after dilution: Yellow to Orange
    • Main applications: Meat and sausage casings
    • Commercial name: Biocon Norbixin – HWS range

Bixin Liquid

Oil

  • Type 1:

    • Product appearance: Dark orange viscous suspension
    • Oily suspension of annatto extract
    • Dispersible in fats
    • Bixin content: 2 – 10%
    • Color shade provided: Yellow to Orange
    • Main applications: Seasoning, margarines, spreads, processed cheese, dressings, snacks and spice blends
    • Commercial name: Biocon AOS range

     

    Type 2:

    • Product appearance: Dark orange red liquid
    • Pigment of annatto diluted in edible oil
    • Soluble in products with high oil or fat content
    • Bixin content:  0.2-0.45%
    • Color shade provided: Yellow to Orange
    • Main applications: Seasoning, margarines, spreads, processed cheese, dressings, snacks and industrial oils
    • Commercial name: Biocon BOS range

Acid Proof

  • Product appearance: Slightly viscous dark red liquid
  • Aqueous alkali solution extracted from annatto seeds
  • Great acceptability, soluble in water and completely soluble in oil / water emulsion
  • Bixin content: Min. 3%
  • Color shade provided: Yellow to Orange
  • Main applications: Alcoholic beverage, soft drinks, fruit juices, mayonnaise and processed cheese
  • Commercial name: Biocon Bixin – PPW range

Dispersable

  • Product appearance: Orange viscous suspension
  • Pigment obtained from annatto seeds, stabilized in emulsifiers
  • Dispersible in water
  • Can be used in food and beverage applications where stability at low pH and non-migration properties are important
  • Bixin content: Max. 8%
  • Color shade provided: Yellow to Red-Orange
  • Main applications: Fruit juice, fruit preparations and confectionery
  • Commercial name: Biocon Bixin – G range

Norbixin Liquid

Water Miscible

  • Product appearance: Dark brown liquid
  • Aqueous alkali solution extracted from annatto seeds
  • Completely miscible in water
  • Norbixin content: 0.5 to 5%
  • Color shade: Yellow to Orange
  • Main applications: Bakery, breading, casings, cereals, cheese, confectionary, ice cream and snacks.
  • Commercial name: Biobixin range
  • Commercial name: Biocon Norbixin Powder

Acid Proof

    • Product appearance:Slightly viscous dark brown liquid
    • Aqueous alkali solution extracted from annatto seeds
    • Great acceptability, soluble in water and completely soluble in oil / water emulsion
    • Norbixin content: 0.5 to 5%
    • Color shade: Yellow to Orange
    • Main applications: Bakery, casings, cheese spreads, coatings, desserts, fruit juices and processed cheese
    • Commercial name: Biobixin-PPW range

From Field to formulation: let’s define your Perfect shade.

Let's Talk