Ingredient · E150a, E150b, E150c, E150d

Caramel As Color

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Unknown

Not yet classified by editors

Allergen

Role in food

Caramel color is added to foods and beverages to provide a brown hue, ranging …

What it is

Caramel color is a dark brown food coloring made by heating carbohydrates, such as sugar or corn syrup. The process can involve adding acids, alkalis, or sulfites to control the color and flavor. It is one of the most widely used food colorings globally.

Why it's used

Caramel color is added to foods and beverages to provide a brown hue, ranging from light yellow-brown to dark brown. It is commonly found in baked goods, soft drinks, sauces, gravies, and confectionery.

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 byproducts like 4-MEI, which has raised concerns. However, regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated caramel colors and have not set specific numerical limits for 4-MEI at typical consumption levels. The evidence regarding potential health effects at levels found in food is mixed, and ongoing research continues.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Caramel As Color

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Fannie May Confections, Inc. Assorted Chocolates A Decadent Assortment Of Dark Chocolate Brownie Batter Truffles, Milk Chocolate Hot Fudge Truffles, Milk Chocolate Caramel Presents And Mini Pixies, Assorted Chocolate High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 519kcal 3.7Protein 29.6Fat 59.3Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Dark Chocolate Assortment, Dark Chocolate Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 485kcal 3.0Protein 27.3Fat 57.6Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Miniature Pretzels, Pretzel Clusters, Caramel Presents, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 500kcal 6.7Protein 23.3Fat 66.7Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Assorted Chocolates, Assorted Chocolate High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 519kcal 3.7Protein 29.6Fat 63.0Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Assorted Chocolates A Decadent Assortment Of Dark Chocolate Brownie Batter Truffles, Milk Chocolate Hot Fudge Truffles, Milk Chocolate Caramel Presents And Mini Pixies, Assorted Chocolates Chocolate High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 519kcal 3.7Protein 29.6Fat —Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Assorted Chocolates, Dark Chocolate Brownie Batter Truffles, Milk Chocolate Hot Fudge Truffles, Milk Chocolate Caramel Presents And Mini Pixies Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 29.6Fat 59.3Carbs Meijer, Inc. Caramel & Sea Salt Gelato, Caramel & Sea Salt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 190kcal 2Protein 7Fat 30Carbs

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.