Ingredient · E150a, E150b, E150c, E150d

Browned With Caramel Color

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Caramel color is used to provide a brown color to a wide variety of …

What it is

Caramel color is a dark brown food coloring made by heating sugars, often with small amounts of acids, alkalis, or salts. It is one of the oldest and most widely used food colorings. Depending on the ingredients and manufacturing process, it can range from light yellow to dark brown.

Why it's used

Caramel color is used to provide a brown color to a wide variety of foods and beverages, such as baked goods, soft drinks, sauces, and processed meats. It can also be used to enhance the color of other ingredients or to create a more appealing appearance.

Health notes

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some types of caramel color, specifically Class III and Class IV, contain byproducts like 4-MEI, which has raised concerns. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have reviewed the safety of 4-MEI and determined that current levels in food are not a health concern. JECFA has also evaluated caramel colors.

Allergen info

Caramel color is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Browned With Caramel Color

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Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Honey Uncured Ham, Oven Roasted, Honey Kraft Heinz Foods Company Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Honey Uncured Ham, Oven Roasted, Honey Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 107kcal 19.6Protein 1.8Fat 3.6Carbs Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Black Forest Ham With Natural Juices Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 107kcal 17.9Protein 2.7Fat 1.8Carbs Honey Uncured Ham, Honey Kraft Heinz Foods Company Honey Uncured Ham, Honey Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 125kcal 21.4Protein 2.7Fat 3.6Carbs Deli Fresh Honey Sliced Lunch Meat Uncured Ham Kraft Heinz Foods Company Deli Fresh Honey Sliced Lunch Meat Uncured Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 125kcal 21.4Protein 2.7Fat 3.6Carbs Target Stores Black Forest Ham, Black Forest Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 107kcal 17.9Protein 2.7Fat 1.8Carbs Honey Uncured Ham, Honey Kraft Heinz Foods Company Honey Uncured Ham, Honey Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 125kcal 21.4Protein 2.7Fat 3.6Carbs
Salt (6 products) Water (6 products) Ham (6 products) Vinegar (6 products) Sodium Phosphates (5 products) Sugar (4 products) Honey (4 products) Cherry Powder (4 products) Cultured Celery Juice (4 products) Cultured Dextrose (4 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.