Ingredient · E150a, E150b, E150c, E150d

Carmel Color

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Caramel color is used to give foods a brown color, mimicking the color of …

What it is

Caramel color is a food coloring made by heating sugars, typically with acids, alkalis, or sulfites. Depending on the process used, it can range in color from light yellow to dark brown. It is one of the most widely used food colorings globally.

Why it's used

Caramel color is used to give foods a brown color, mimicking the color of cooked or roasted ingredients. It is found in a wide variety of products, including baked goods, soft drinks, sauces, soups, and confectionery.

Health notes

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some forms of caramel color can contain small amounts of 4-MEI, a chemical that has raised concerns in animal studies at very high doses. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have concluded that current levels of exposure from food are not a health concern for humans. JECFA has evaluated caramel colors and established acceptable daily intakes for certain types.

Allergen info

Caramel color is not derived from any of the nine major allergens and does not contain gluten. Not a major allergen.

Products containing Carmel Color

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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.