Ammonia Caramel

Ammonia caramel, also known as Class I caramel color, is a dark brown food coloring made by heating carbohydrates, such as sugar or corn syrup, with ammonia or ammonium compounds. The process creates a range of brown shades depending on the specific conditions used.

Manufacturers use ammonia caramel to give foods a brown color, ranging from light tan to dark brown. It is commonly found in baked goods like cookies and gingerbread, as well as in jams, jellies, popcorn, and some chocolate products.

Ammonia caramel is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated caramel colors and established acceptable daily intakes. While some studies have raised concerns about certain compounds formed during caramelization, regulatory bodies consider current levels in food to be safe.