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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Caramel coloring is used to give foods a brown color, mimicking the color of …
What it is
Caramel coloring is made by heating sugars, often with acids, alkalis, or sulfites. This process creates a range of brown colors, from light yellow-brown to dark brown. It is one of the oldest and most widely used food colorings.
Why it's used
Caramel coloring is used to give foods a brown color, mimicking the color of cooked or roasted ingredients. It is found in a wide variety of products, including baked goods, beverages, sauces, and processed meats.
Health notes
Caramel coloring is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some forms of caramel coloring contain a byproduct called 4-MEI, which has raised concerns. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have reviewed the evidence and determined that levels typically found in food do not pose a health risk. JECFA has also evaluated caramel coloring.
Allergen info
Caramel coloring is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.