Ingredient · E150

Caramel Color

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

It is used to give foods and beverages a range of colors, from yellow-brown …

What it is

Caramel color is a brown food coloring made by heating carbohydrates (sugars) with or without acids, alkalis, or salts. This process creates different types of caramel color, which vary in their shade and properties.

Why it's used

It is used to give foods and beverages a range of colors, from yellow-brown to dark brown. Manufacturers add it to products like sodas, baked goods, sauces (such as ketchup and BBQ sauce), and cereals to enhance their appearance.

Health notes

Caramel color is an FDA-approved food additive. JECFA has evaluated caramel colors and established an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. Concerns have been raised about 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI), a compound that can form during the production of some caramel colors (specifically Class III and Class IV). While some studies have linked high doses of 4-MeI to cancer in animals, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA state that typical human intake levels from food are not a safety concern.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Caramel Color

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Kellogg Company US Kellogg Krave Treat Bars Smores 1.58Oz Cereal/Muesli Bars —kcal 4.4Protein 17.7Fat 69.9Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Special K Hot Cereal Cinnamon Raisin 1.83Oz Cereals Products - Not Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) —kcal 14.1Protein 10.4Fat 61.9Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Special K Hot Cereal Cinnamon Raisin Pecan 3.66Oz Cereals Products - Not Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) —kcal 14.1Protein 10.4Fat 61.9Carbs Cargill Honeysuckle White Boneless Turkey Roast with Gravy Packet High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving —kcal 23Protein 2.5Fat 1Carbs Kellogg Company US Pringles Crisps Salted Caramel 5.96Oz Chips/Crisps/Snack Mixes - Natural/Extruded (Shelf Stable) —kcal 4.1Protein 31.7Fat 58Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Eggo Waffles Chocolatey Chocolate Chip 10.7Oz Cakes - Sweet (Frozen) High in sodium — 21% DV per serving —kcal 6Protein 10.2Fat 45.3Carbs Conagra Brands Odom's Tennessee Pride Original Microwaveable Sausage Patties, 8 Count, 8 OZ High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving —kcal 15.8Protein 33.3Fat 3.5Carbs Conagra Brands Soy Sauce, 1 GAL —kcal 5.2Protein 0Fat 5.2Carbs Conagra Brands ODOMS TENNESSEE PRIDE Sausage Biscuit Patties Pork Sausages - Prepared/Processed High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 381kcal 16.7Protein 33.3Fat 4.8Carbs Conagra Brands VAN CAMP's Original Baked Beans, 28 oz., 28 OZ High in sodium — 27% DV per serving —kcal 3.7Protein 0.4Fat 21.5Carbs Conagra Brands VAN CAMPS Bacon Baked Beans Maple, 15 OZ High in sodium — 23% DV per serving —kcal 4.4Protein 0.4Fat 22.2Carbs Conagra Brands WOLF BRAND Hot Chili Without Beans, 106 oz., 106 OZ High in sodium — 43% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving —kcal 7.7Protein 11.7Fat 7.3Carbs

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.