Natural Caramel Flavour

Natural caramel flavor is derived from the browning of sugars, typically through heating. It can be made from a variety of sugar sources, including milk sugar (lactose) and cane sugar. The process creates a complex mixture of flavor compounds that mimic the taste and aroma of cooked sugar.

Manufacturers use natural caramel flavor to impart a sweet, rich, and slightly burnt sugar taste to foods. It is commonly found in baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, and beverages. Its primary function is to enhance or create a caramel flavor profile.

In the U.S., natural caramel flavor is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a flavoring agent. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated similar flavoring substances and generally consider them safe at typical consumption levels. Research has not identified significant health concerns associated with the consumption of natural caramel flavor at levels found in food.