Ingredient · E150a, E150b, E150c, E150d

Caramel Colors

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use caramel color to give foods a brown appearance or to restore color …

What it is

Caramel color is a food coloring made by heating sugars, often with acids, alkalis, or sulfites. It is available in four classes, depending on the compounds used during heating. This process creates a range of brown shades from light yellow-brown to dark brown.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use caramel color to give foods a brown appearance or to restore color lost during processing. It is commonly found in baked goods, beverages, sauces, gravies, and desserts.

Health notes

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some classes of caramel color contain byproducts like 4-MEI, which has raised concerns. However, regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated caramel colors and have not set numeric limits, though they continue to review the science. Evidence on health effects at typical consumption levels is mixed and under ongoing scientific review.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Caramel Colors

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Starr Culinary Delights Inc. Starr Culinary Delights, Coffee Cake, Mini Apple Caramel Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 481kcal 3.7Protein 22.2Fat 63.0Carbs KOKU MORI Black Vinegar Other Cooking Sauces 67kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.3Carbs Schwartz Brothers Bakery Roast Beef Pinwheels Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 53% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 42% DV per serving 216kcal 14.9Protein 11.0Fat 11.0Carbs PANOS Brands LLC Original Barbecue Sauce, Original Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Big Y Foods, Inc. Honey Oats & Flakes Cereal, Honey Oats & Flakes Cereal 375kcal 7.5Protein 2.5Fat 80Carbs Superior Foods Company Almond Crusted Flounder Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 214kcal 17.9Protein 7.9Fat 16.4Carbs Creative Games, Inc. Balsamic Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 357kcal 0Protein 32.1Fat 21.4Carbs PANOS Brands LLC Honey Barbecue Sauce, Honey Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Almond & Rice Crackers, Almond & Rice Tong Enterprises, Inc. Almond & Rice Crackers, Almond & Rice Crackers & Biscotti 500kcal 10.7Protein 17.9Fat 71.4Carbs Hickory Smoked Barbecue Sauce, Hickory Smoked PANOS Brands LLC Hickory Smoked Barbecue Sauce, Hickory Smoked Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Tong Enterprises, Inc. Almond & Rice Crackers, Almond & Rice Crackers & Biscotti 464kcal 10.7Protein 17.9Fat 67.9Carbs generosiTEA Sweet Tea, Sweet Iced & Bottle Tea High in added sugars — 100% DV per serving 34kcal 0Protein 0Fat 8.6Carbs
Sugar (14 products) Salt (12 products) Natural Flavors (10 products) Water (10 products) Canola Oil (9 products) Maltodextrin (9 products) Spices (8 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (8 products) Riboflavin (8 products) Folic Acid (8 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.