Ingredient · E150a

Cane Caramel Color

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Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use cane caramel color primarily to add a rich brown hue to foods …

What it is

Cane caramel color is a dark brown liquid or solid made by heating sugar, typically from sugarcane or corn. The heating process, called caramelization, creates a range of brown colors and complex flavors. It is often made with the addition of acids, alkalis, or sulfites to control the color and properties.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use cane caramel color primarily to add a rich brown hue to foods and beverages. It is found in a wide variety of products, including baked goods, sauces, gravies, soft drinks, and confectionery.

Health notes

Cane caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated caramel colors. Some studies have raised questions about certain compounds that can form during caramelization, such as 4-MEI, but these are typically found at very low levels in foods colored with caramel. The FDA monitors these levels.

Allergen info

Cane caramel color is not derived from any of the nine major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Cane Caramel Color

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TODAY'S KITCHEN Smoky Bourbon BBQ Cheddar Frozen Patties and Burgers High in sodium — 29% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 275kcal 16.8Protein 20.8Fat 4.0Carbs Palermo Villa Inc. Screamin' Sicilian, Sausage, Pulled Pork & Bacon BBQ Pizza, Three Lil' Piggies, Three Lil' Piggies Pizza High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 245kcal 12.6Protein 11.2Fat 23.1Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Smokehouse Made With Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Canadian Bacon, Italian Sausage, Bacon & Red Onion Pizzeria Style Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 237kcal 9.6Protein 8.9Fat 28.1Carbs

Topco Associates, Inc. Smokehouse Mozzarella And Cheddar Cheese, BBQ Sauce, Canadian Bacon, Italian Sausage, Bacon & Red Onion Pizzeria Style Crust Pizza, Smokehouse Pizza High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 237kcal 9.6Protein 9.6Fat 28.1Carbs otherlands Meat Sticks, Sweet BBQ Other Snacks 235kcal 14.7Protein 13.2Fat 14.7Carbs Palermo Villa Inc. Palermo's, Hearth Baked Crust Flatbread, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Chicken Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 219kcal 12.4Protein 9.5Fat 20.4Carbs Hydroblend, Inc. Cookie Mixes Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 391kcal 8.7Protein 4.3Fat 78.3Carbs The Popcorn Factory Popcorn, Mesquite BBQ Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 571kcal 7.1Protein 46.4Fat 39.3Carbs Hydroblend, Inc. Among Friends, Darcy's Delish, Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 435kcal 8.7Protein 8.7Fat 73.9Carbs Coblentz Distributing, Inc. Hickory Smoked Snack Sticks, Barbecue Other Snacks 286kcal 17.9Protein 14.3Fat 21.4Carbs Michigan Brand Inc. Smoked Boar, Honey BBQ Other Snacks High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 357kcal 46.4Protein 7.1Fat 17.9Carbs Completely Fresh Foods, Inc Seasoned & Cooked White Meat Pulled Chicken Cooked & Prepared High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 157kcal 13.6Protein 3.6Fat 16.4Carbs

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.