Ingredient

Caramel Added

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Caramel color is used to give foods a brown hue, ranging from light yellow-brown …

What it is

Caramel color is a dark brown food coloring produced by heating carbohydrates, such as sugar, dextrose, invert sugar, maltose, molasses, or corn syrup. The heating process, called caramelization, can involve acids, alkalis, or sulfites.

Why it's used

Caramel color is used to give foods a brown hue, ranging from light yellow-brown to dark brown. It is commonly found in baked goods, soft drinks, sauces, gravies, and processed foods where a darker color is desired.

Health notes

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some forms of caramel color, specifically Class III and IV, contain a byproduct called 4-MEI. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated caramel colors. While studies have raised questions about the potential health effects of high levels of 4-MEI, regulatory bodies consider current exposure levels from food to be safe.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Caramel Added

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BALANCE BAR Nutrition Bar For Lasting Energy Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 400kcal 30Protein 14Fat 44Carbs The Farmer's Cow, LLC Protein Fit Bar With Greek Yogurt Coating, Dark Chocolate Almond Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 377kcal 30.2Protein 15.1Fat 41.5Carbs The Farmer's Cow, LLC Snack Bars, Toffee Nut Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 429kcal 21.4Protein 28.6Fat 35.7Carbs The Farmer's Cow, LLC Protein Fit With Greek Yogurt Coating Bars, Honey Peanut Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 377kcal 30.2Protein 15.1Fat 41.5Carbs The Farmer's Cow, LLC South Beach Diet, Good To Go Bars, Fudge Graham, Fudge Graham Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 368kcal 18.4Protein 13.2Fat 55.3Carbs The Farmer's Cow, LLC South Beach Diet, Protein Fit With Greek Yogurt Coating, Vanilla Caramel, Vanilla Caramel Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 377kcal 30.2Protein 15.1Fat 41.5Carbs Chocolate Salted Caramel Bar, Chocolate Salted Caramel Rexall Sundown, Inc. Chocolate Salted Caramel Bar, Chocolate Salted Caramel Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 400kcal 38Protein 10Fat 40Carbs Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar, Chocolate Peanut Caramel Rexall Sundown, Inc. Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar, Chocolate Peanut Caramel Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 380kcal 40Protein 12Fat 30Carbs The Nature's Bounty Co. Cookie Dough Nutrition Bar, Cookie Dough Crusts & Dough High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 420kcal 30Protein 14Fat 44Carbs The Nature's Bounty Co. Yogurt Honey Peanut Nutrition Bar, Yogurt Honey Peanut Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 400kcal 30Protein 14Fat 44Carbs The Nature's Bounty Co. Nutrition Bar, Peanut Butter Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 400kcal 30Protein 14Fat 42Carbs The Nature's Bounty Co. Cookie Dough Nutrition Bar Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 420kcal 30Protein 14Fat 44Carbs
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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.