Corn Syrup Caramel Color

Caramel color is a dark brown food coloring made by heating sugars, often corn syrup, under controlled conditions. The process can involve acids, alkalis, or sulfites. It provides a range of brown shades, from light yellow-brown to dark brown.

Manufacturers use caramel color to give foods a uniform brown appearance, mimicking the color of cooked or roasted ingredients. It's commonly found in baked goods, soft drinks, sauces, gravies, and confectionery.

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated caramel color. Some types of caramel color may contain small amounts of 4-MEI, a byproduct of the manufacturing process, but levels are generally considered safe at typical consumption levels. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical consumption.