Canthaxanthin
Canthaxanthin, commonly referenced as E161g / INS 161g, is an orange-red carotenoid colour used for shade development, colour standardisation and carotenoid pigmentation in selected food, feed and specialty colour applications where permitted. For industrial buyers, the real purchasing value depends on assay, trans-canthaxanthin content, colour strength, formulation type, dispersibility, solubility route, carrier system, antioxidant protection, regulatory fit, storage stability, documentation quality and batch-to-batch shade consistency.
Canthaxanthin performance depends on assay, particle form, carrier, antioxidant system, fat phase, oxygen exposure, light, heat process, dispersion quality and destination-market colour rules.
Product identity
| Product | Canthaxanthin |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | Canthaxanthin E161g; INS 161g; β-carotene-4,4′-dione; beta-carotene-4,4-dione; C.I. Food Orange 8; carotenoid orange-red colour |
| Category | Colours & Colouring Foods |
| Function | Food colour / colouring food / colour standardisation ingredient |
| E / INS number | E161g / INS 161g |
| CAS / identity | 514-78-3; confirm assay, isomer profile, formulation type and market compliance on supplier COA/SDS |
| Chemical identity | β-Carotene-4,4′-dione; orange-red carotenoid / ketocarotenoid colour |
| Typical shade range | Yellow-orange, orange, orange-red, salmon-red or deep reddish-orange depending on concentration, formulation, matrix and dosage |
| Typical form | Crystalline powder, stabilized beadlet, spray-dried powder, water-dispersible powder, oil suspension, emulsion, premix or customer-specific colour preparation |
| Typical use review | Food colour, feed pigment, specialty colour blend or carotenoid shade standardisation ingredient depending on market and grade |
| Main technical value | Provides strong carotenoid orange-red shade and pigmentation performance in suitable fat-containing, dispersed or stabilized systems |
| Key buying point | Compare by assay, colour strength, dispersion performance, stability, regulatory status and cost-in-use, not only by price per kilogram |
Industrial buying value
Canthaxanthin is normally evaluated when a manufacturer needs an orange-red carotenoid shade with controlled colour strength and stable delivery in a suitable matrix. It is especially sensitive to formulation design because carotenoids can degrade under oxygen, light, heat and poor storage. The best commercial grade depends on whether the colour is used in a water-dispersible beverage system, fat-based preparation, dry premix, feed premix, emulsion or specialty colour blend.
- Supports orange-red shade development and carotenoid colour standardisation in suitable applications
- Can be supplied as stabilized beadlets, powders, oil suspensions, emulsions or application-specific preparations
- Requires review of antioxidant system, carrier, dispersibility, assay, isomer profile and shelf-life stability
- Useful where a carotenoid colour profile is preferred over synthetic red or orange dyes, subject to local approval
- Requires careful validation of permitted use, maximum level, colour declaration, storage protection and customer policy
Technical overview
Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment with a conjugated structure responsible for orange-red colour. Commercial products are rarely purchased as a simple pigment alone for direct plant use. They are often supplied as stabilized preparations containing carriers, antioxidants, emulsifiers or dispersing systems to protect the pigment and improve handling. This makes the grade format as important as the active colour itself.
For procurement and R&D teams, Canthaxanthin should be evaluated through finished-product trials. A water-dispersible beadlet, an oil suspension and a concentrated powder can show very different shade release, staining strength, sediment, stability and cost-in-use. Buyers should match the grade to the intended matrix, process and regulatory route before approving commercial supply.
Colour chemistry and shade logic
Canthaxanthin behaves like a carotenoid colour rather than a simple soluble dye. Shade and strength depend on pigment concentration, particle size, dispersion, matrix polarity and protection from oxidation. In many systems, the colour appears more intense when the pigment is finely dispersed and protected from oxygen and light.
- Carotenoid structure: provides orange-red colour but is sensitive to oxidation and light exposure
- Assay: determines active pigment level and affects cost-in-use calculations
- Particle size: influences dispersibility, shade release, sediment and colour uniformity
- Carrier system: controls whether the grade works in water, oil, dry blends or feed premixes
- Antioxidant system: helps protect colour strength during storage and processing
Stability variables
Canthaxanthin stability must be validated under real manufacturing and shelf-life conditions. Heat, light, oxygen, trace metals and poor packaging can reduce colour strength or change shade over time.
- Oxygen exposure during mixing, packaging, storage and distribution
- Light exposure in transparent packaging or retail display
- Heat treatment during drying, pasteurisation, extrusion, feed pelleting or baking
- Fat phase, emulsifier system, water activity, pH and trace metals
- Packaging barrier, headspace oxygen, nitrogen flushing and storage temperature
Application fit
Potential use areas may include the applications below, subject to destination-market rules, approved food or feed categories, maximum use levels, final label declaration and customer policy. These examples are technical formulation contexts, not a universal approval list.
| Application area | Technical reason to evaluate | Buyer / R&D checks |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty food colour blends | Orange-red carotenoid shade contribution in permitted colour systems | Regulatory permission, dosage, colour declaration, carrier system, shade target, stability and compatibility with other colours |
| Beverage systems | Orange-red shade in selected beverage matrices when a water-dispersible preparation is suitable and permitted | pH, clarity, turbidity, sediment, emulsifier system, light exposure, heat process, bottle type and regulatory status |
| Confectionery and gummies | Carotenoid orange-red shade in selected confectionery systems | Gel system, cooking temperature, pH, sugar solids, colour bleed, oil phase, particle dispersion and shelf-life shade drift |
| Dairy desserts and frozen desserts | Orange-red, peach, salmon or fruit-style shade in suitable dairy or frozen matrices | Fat level, protein system, heat treatment, homogenisation, freezing, light exposure, emulsion stability and permitted use |
| Sauces, dressings and emulsions | Colour standardisation in fat-containing or emulsified products where carotenoid dispersion is effective | Oil phase, emulsifier system, pH, salt, vinegar, heat process, oxygen exposure and flavour interaction |
| Snacks and seasonings | Orange-red shade in selected seasoning systems, coatings or dry blends | Carrier, oil load, salt, spices, particle size, dry-blend uniformity, light exposure and oxidative stability |
| Feed premixes and pigmentation systems | Controlled carotenoid pigmentation in permitted animal-feed applications | Feed category, legal limit, beadlet stability, pelleting temperature, premix uniformity, target tissue or skin colour and label rules |
| Salmonid feed colour programs | Orange-red carotenoid pigmentation support where permitted and formulated for feed use | Stabilized feed-grade form, inclusion level, feed processing, storage stability, flesh colour target and destination-market feed rules |
| Poultry skin or egg-related colour programs | Carotenoid shade support in feed systems where permitted by local rules | Complete-feed inclusion level, other xanthophyll sources, premix stability, target colour, withdrawal/customer policy and feed-label compliance |
Quality and specification parameters
For industrial purchasing, Canthaxanthin should be compared by active pigment content, colour strength, formulation design and stability. A technically suitable grade should deliver the target shade without unacceptable sediment, colour loss, oxidation, carrier incompatibility, regulatory uncertainty or documentation gaps.
| Specification area | What to request | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory identity | E161g / INS 161g confirmation, CAS number, chemical identity and destination-market compliance note | Confirms correct colour identity and avoids unsuitable pigment, technical-grade or non-permitted use |
| Assay | Canthaxanthin assay, analytical method and acceptance range | Primary driver of active colour strength, dosage and cost-in-use |
| Isomer profile | Trans-canthaxanthin content and related carotenoid/isomer limits where available | Supports colour strength, quality consistency and regulatory comparison |
| Total carotenoids | Total carotenoid profile and impurity limits | Helps evaluate pigment purity and non-target colour contribution |
| Colour strength | Absorbance method, dilution, wavelength, colour units or application shade panel | Allows accurate dosage comparison between suppliers and batches |
| Physical form | Crystalline powder, beadlet, spray-dried powder, emulsion, oil suspension, premix or custom preparation | Determines handling, dispersion route, shelf life, equipment compatibility and application fit |
| Carrier and stabilisers | Carrier, antioxidant, emulsifier, starch, gelatin, oil, sugar, silica or encapsulation-system declaration | Important for label review, allergen status, halal/kosher, vegan suitability and formulation compatibility |
| Particle size and dispersibility | Particle size, beadlet size, water dispersibility, oil dispersibility, sediment and reconstitution data | Controls colour uniformity, sediment, mouthfeel, dry-blend behaviour and process performance |
| Heat stability | Stability data under pasteurisation, drying, baking, extrusion, feed pelleting or other real process conditions | Critical for colour retention and process selection |
| Light and oxygen stability | Light stability, oxidation stability, recommended packaging and headspace guidance | Carotenoid colours can fade or degrade without adequate protection |
| Solubility route | Water-dispersible, oil-soluble, oil-dispersible, emulsion or dry premix guidance | Prevents application failure from using the wrong grade in the wrong matrix |
| Residual solvents | Solvent residues and extraction or synthesis-related solvent statement where applicable | Supports food-grade compliance, customer audits and export documentation |
| Contaminants | Heavy metals, lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, impurities and unwanted by-products | Supports food/feed-grade approval, export compliance and customer audit requirements |
| Microbiology | Total plate count, yeast and mould, coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella and other limits where relevant | Important for beadlets, premixes, water-dispersible grades and high-care applications |
| Compliance | Food-grade or feed-grade declaration, allergen statement, GMO statement, gluten statement, halal/kosher if required | Reduces regulatory, customer and label-approval delays |
| Traceability | Manufacturer, production site, country of origin, batch number, production date, retest date and shelf life | Enables supplier qualification, recall readiness and audit-trail control |
Formulation and plant-trial checklist
- Target shade: define whether the product needs yellow-orange, orange, orange-red, salmon-red or deep reddish-orange colour.
- Use category: confirm whether the material is intended for food colour, feed pigment, premix, specialty colour blend or another permitted use.
- Grade format: select beadlet, powder, emulsion, oil suspension, dry premix or custom preparation according to the process and matrix.
- Dosage basis: calculate dosage by assay, colour strength and finished-product shade target.
- Dispersion testing: evaluate colour uniformity, specks, sediment, ring formation, staining and mouthfeel.
- Heat exposure: test pasteurisation, hot-fill, baking, extrusion, feed pelleting or drying where applicable.
- Oxygen and light exposure: run stability tests under the actual packaging and distribution conditions.
- Carrier review: check carrier, antioxidant and emulsifier systems for allergen, GMO, halal, kosher, vegan and label implications.
- Regulatory review: confirm permitted use, maximum levels, colour declaration and category-specific restrictions before launch.
- Cost-in-use: compare suppliers by finished shade per tonne, dosage, stability, processing loss, rejected batches, documentation and landed cost.
Comparison with related orange-red colour options
Canthaxanthin is part of a wider orange-red colour toolbox. The right choice depends on shade target, solubility, pH, heat process, label strategy, cost, legal status and consumer expectations.
| Colour option | Typical reason to compare | Industrial note |
|---|---|---|
| Canthaxanthin / E161g | Orange-red carotenoid shade and feed pigmentation in permitted systems | Requires careful review of use limits, formulation type, stability and destination-market rules |
| Beta-carotene / E160a | Yellow to orange carotenoid shade in beverages, dairy, fats and colour blends | Different shade and vitamin-positioning considerations; stability depends on formulation |
| Paprika extract / E160c | Orange-red shade and oil-soluble colour applications | Can contribute flavour or pungency depending on grade; shade is generally more paprika-like |
| Lycopene / E160d | Tomato-red shade in selected fat-containing or emulsion systems | More red than many carotenoids but dispersion and oxidation must be managed |
| Annatto / E160b | Yellow-orange shade for dairy, cheese, fats and bakery systems where permitted | Different hue and solubility forms; not a direct canthaxanthin replacement |
| Carmine / E120 | Strong pink-red to crimson shade with high tinctorial strength | Cochineal-derived; animal-origin and allergen-related declaration must be reviewed |
| Anthocyanins / E163 | Plant-derived red, pink or purple shades for acid systems | pH-sensitive and may not match carotenoid orange-red stability in all systems |
| Synthetic red or orange colours | High water solubility and strong shade in markets where permitted | Regulatory status, warning labels and customer acceptance vary by destination market |
Process integration guidance
Canthaxanthin should be added through a controlled colour-standardisation process. The best addition point depends on whether the grade is a beadlet, powder, oil suspension, emulsion or dry premix. In many products, the colour should be pre-dispersed before final addition to avoid specks, sediment, streaking or uneven shade.
Water-dispersible and emulsion grades
- Pre-disperse according to supplier guidance to avoid pigment clumps or surface rings
- Confirm emulsion stability in the finished pH, salt, sugar, alcohol or protein system
- Evaluate haze, sediment, bottle-wall staining and light stability in beverages
- Measure colour after heat processing and after shelf-life storage
- Record colour lot, dosage, mixing time, pH, heat process and finished-product shade
Oil-soluble, powder and premix grades
- Use suitable oil phase, carrier, dry-blend or premix route according to the supplier grade
- Protect from oxygen, light and heat during weighing, mixing and storage
- Validate uniform distribution in dry mixes, seasoning systems or feed premixes
- Check compatibility with antioxidants, oils, emulsifiers, starches, proteins and minerals
- Control humidity and avoid extended exposure of opened packs to air and light
Shade development and colour matching workflow
Industrial buyers should request application samples and develop a colour-matching workflow before approving bulk orders. Canthaxanthin grades can vary in assay, shade and dispersibility, so the purchasing specification should include both analytical and visual acceptance criteria.
| Step | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| 1. Define shade target | Set a visual reference, colour coordinates or approved market sample for the finished product or feed target |
| 2. Select grade format | Confirm whether powder, beadlet, emulsion, oil suspension, water-dispersible grade or premix is technically suitable |
| 3. Calculate dosage | Use assay and colour strength to compare cost-in-use across suppliers |
| 4. Run process trials | Apply the real heat, pH, mixing, drying, pelleting, filtration, freezing or filling process used in production |
| 5. Evaluate shelf life | Check colour loss, oxidation, light fade, sediment, specking, carrier separation and packaging interaction |
| 6. Lock specification | Approve assay, colour strength, grade format, carrier declaration, label wording, documents and batch acceptance limits |
Handling, storage and warehouse control
Canthaxanthin should be handled according to the supplier safety data sheet, food-safety plan and local workplace rules. Carotenoid colours should be protected from oxygen, heat, moisture and light. Opened containers should be resealed quickly and handled under controlled conditions to avoid colour loss and batch variability.
| Control point | Recommended buyer action |
|---|---|
| Storage environment | Store in a clean, dry, cool and well-ventilated area according to supplier recommendations |
| Light protection | Protect from direct sunlight and strong warehouse light, especially after opening |
| Oxygen control | Minimise air exposure and reseal containers immediately after dispensing |
| Temperature control | Follow supplier temperature guidance and avoid hot storage zones or repeated temperature cycling |
| Moisture protection | Keep powder, beadlet and premix grades sealed and protect opened packs from humidity and condensation |
| Odour and cross-contact | Store away from odorous, allergenic, volatile or incompatible materials |
| Lot traceability | Record lot number, supplier COA, internal release status and expiry/retest date before use |
| Opened packaging | Define resealing, relabelling, retest and maximum-open-time procedures for each colour grade |
Packaging and logistics options
Packaging depends on supplier standard, assay, formulation and order volume. Common industrial requests include small laboratory samples, trial packs, aluminium foil pouches, light-protective bags, nitrogen-flushed containers, 1-5 kg packs, 10-25 kg cartons or drums, oil suspension containers, HDPE drums, premix bags, palletised export packaging and full-container supply. For export projects, buyers should request pallet dimensions, net and gross weight, liner type, batch coding system, shelf life, storage temperature, temperature-excursion guidance, HS code guidance, document language and shipping marks before confirming the order.
Regulatory and label diligence
Canthaxanthin should be managed as a regulated colour additive or feed colour according to the destination market and intended use. The buyer is responsible for verifying whether E161g / INS 161g is permitted in the destination market, whether the intended food or feed category is covered, the maximum use level, purity criteria, label declaration, carrier acceptability and customer-specific restrictions.
For international projects, regulatory review should be completed before commercial purchase. A grade that is acceptable for one colour application, feed premix or export market may require a different use level, formulation, declaration or documentation package in another. Buyers should also confirm whether the product is intended for retail foods, animal feed, aquaculture feed, poultry feed, nutraceuticals, organic programs, clean-label products or customer-specific colour policies.
Documents to request
- Product specification or technical data sheet with E161g / INS 161g confirmation and intended applications
- Certificate of analysis for available batch or representative lot
- Safety data sheet where applicable
- Food-grade, feed-grade or application-specific declaration according to intended use
- CAS, E-number, chemical identity, assay method and trans-canthaxanthin content where available
- Total carotenoids, related carotenoid impurity limits and colour-strength information
- Formulation and carrier declaration, including beadlet matrix, oil phase, emulsifier, antioxidant and stabilizer systems
- Solubility, dispersibility, particle size, sediment, pH behaviour, heat stability and light stability data where relevant
- Residual solvent statement or test results where extraction or synthesis-related solvents are relevant
- Heavy metals, lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and impurity statements aligned with buyer requirements
- Microbiological specification for powder, beadlet, premix, emulsion or dispersion grades where required
- Allergen statement, gluten statement, GMO statement and cross-contact information
- Vegan/vegetarian, halal, kosher, BSE/TSE, irradiation and nanomaterial statements where required
- Origin statement, manufacturer information and traceability declaration
- Shelf-life, retest date, recommended storage conditions and temperature-excursion guidance
- Feed-use declarations, premix directions and expiry/open-container stability data where applicable
- Label draft, packaging details, pallet configuration and net/gross weight
- Market-specific declarations required by the importing country
How to request this product
Send the product name, target grade, required assay, target shade, formulation type, intended application, quantity, destination country, packaging preference, expected shipment date, delivery term and required documents. If you already purchase Canthaxanthin, attach or describe your current specification, label, certificate of analysis, assay, colour strength, dosage, carrier system and supplier grade so alternatives can be compared accurately.
For faster technical review, include the finished-product category, whether the use is food or feed, target colour, pH, heat process, light exposure, fat or water phase, mixing method, oxygen exposure, packaging type, allergen/GMO requirements, destination-market rules, customer compliance requirements and whether trial samples are needed before bulk quotation.
Useful answers
What is Canthaxanthin used for in food manufacturing?
Canthaxanthin E161g is typically reviewed for orange-red shade development, colour standardisation and carotenoid pigmentation in selected food, feed and specialty colour applications. Exact suitability depends on grade, application, process, regulations and supplier documents.
Is Canthaxanthin a carotenoid?
Yes. Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid / ketocarotenoid colour, commonly identified chemically as β-carotene-4,4′-dione. Its orange-red shade depends on assay, formulation, dispersion and matrix conditions.
Is Canthaxanthin water-soluble?
Canthaxanthin itself is not normally used like a simple water-soluble dye. Commercial grades may be supplied as stabilized beadlets, powders, emulsions, oil suspensions or water-dispersible preparations. The correct grade depends on the application matrix.
Which applications commonly evaluate this colour?
Potential applications include specialty colour blends, selected beverage systems, confectionery, dairy desserts, frozen desserts, sauces, emulsions, snacks, seasonings, feed premixes, salmonid feed colour programs and poultry pigmentation systems, subject to local permission.
Which technical parameters should be compared between suppliers?
Buyers should compare E161g identity, assay, trans-canthaxanthin content, total carotenoids, colour strength, physical form, carrier system, antioxidant system, particle size, dispersibility, heat stability, light stability, oxygen sensitivity, residual solvents, microbiology, heavy metals, shelf life, packaging and compliance documents.
Can Global Food Additives source Canthaxanthin?
Global Food Additives can review sourcing options for Canthaxanthin according to target specification, assay, colour strength, grade, formulation type, quantity, destination, packaging, shipment timing and required documentation.
Which documents should be requested?
Buyers commonly request a technical data sheet or specification, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet where applicable, food-grade or feed-grade declaration, E161g confirmation, assay method, carrier declaration, allergen/GMO/gluten statements, residual-solvent information, heavy-metal information, shelf-life information, label details and packing details.
Is this product permitted in every country?
No. Food colour or feed colour use depends on destination-market rules, food or feed category, approved use, maximum level, purity criteria, label requirements and buyer responsibility. Always verify regulatory status before commercial use.
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