ß-CAROTENE E160a is principally extracted from edible vegetable sources. It is one of several hundred carotenoids that are found occurring naturally and is distributed very widely.

Nutritionally it is valuable as a vitamin A precursor and has always played a significant role in the diet. Many staple foods, such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain ß-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 its carotenoid structure in that it is stable to heat, pH and sulphur dioxide. Instability to light and oxygen may be overcome in some applications by protection with ascorbic acid
(Vitamin C).