Ingredient

Caramel Layer

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Caramel is primarily used as a flavoring and coloring agent in a wide variety …

What it is

Caramel is a sweet, brown-colored confection made by heating sugars, often with butter and cream. The heating process causes the sugars to undergo a chemical reaction called caramelization, which creates the characteristic flavor and color. Depending on the ingredients and cooking time, caramel can range from a soft sauce to a hard candy.

Why it's used

Caramel is primarily used as a flavoring and coloring agent in a wide variety of foods. It adds a rich, sweet, and slightly bitter taste, along with a desirable brown hue. It is commonly found in candies, chocolates, baked goods, ice cream, and beverages.

Health notes

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is made from heating carbohydrates and does not contain the compounds found in some other caramel colorings that have raised concerns. JECFA has evaluated caramel colors and established acceptable daily intakes. At typical consumption levels, caramel color is not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Caramel itself is not derived from one of the 9 FDA major allergens. However, ingredients like butter or cream, which are sometimes used in making caramel, are dairy products and are major allergens.

Products containing Caramel Layer

Compare products →
Abbott Laboratories Inc Salted Caramel Brownie Bars, Salted Caramel Brownie Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 444kcal 22.2Protein 20Fat 44.4Carbs Abbott Laboratories Inc Salted Caramel Brownie Bars, Salted Caramel Brownie Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 444kcal 22.2Protein 20Fat 44.4Carbs Abbott Laboratories Inc Nutrition Bar, Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 422kcal 26.7Protein 15.6Fat 44.4Carbs Abbott Laboratories Inc Nutrition Bars, Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 422kcal 26.7Protein 15.6Fat 44.4Carbs Healthsmart Foods Inc. Caramel Crispy Candy Chocolate 250kcal 8.3Protein 8.3Fat 66.7Carbs Healthsmart Foods Inc. Caramel Pecan Clusters, Caramel Pecan Chocolate 250kcal 8.3Protein 16.7Fat 66.7Carbs PepsiCo, Inc. (CytoSport) Muscle Milk, Genuine High Protein Bar, Vanilla Toffee Crunch, Vanilla Toffee Crunch Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 425kcal 34.2Protein 15.1Fat 39.7Carbs PepsiCo, Inc. (CytoSport) Muscle Milk, High Protein Bar, Chocolate Peanut Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Caramel Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 438kcal 34.2Protein 15.1Fat 41.1Carbs Rexall Sundown, Inc. Protein Bar, Chocolate Salted Caramel Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 400kcal 38Protein 10Fat 40Carbs Rexall Sundown, Inc. Protein Bar, Chocolate Salted Caramel Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 400kcal 38Protein 10Fat 40Carbs Rexall Sundown, Inc. Protein Bar, Chocolate Peanut Caramel Snack, Energy & Granola Bars 380kcal 40Protein 12Fat 34Carbs 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

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.