Ingredient

With Caramel Color

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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 hue, mimicking the color of …

What it is

Caramel color is a dark brown food coloring made by heating carbohydrates, such as sugar or corn syrup. The heating process, called caramelization, can involve acids, alkalis, or sulfites. There are four classes of caramel color, depending on the reactants used during production.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use caramel color to give foods a brown hue, mimicking the color of cooked or aged products. It is commonly found in baked goods, soft drinks, sauces, gravies, and processed meats.

Health notes

Caramel color is approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA. Some studies have raised concerns about certain compounds, like 4-MEI, that can be present in some classes of caramel color. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have reviewed the available evidence and concluded that caramel colors are safe at typical consumption levels. JECFA has also evaluated caramel colors.

Allergen info

Caramel color is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing With Caramel Color

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Topco Associates, Inc. Dried Cranberries & Glazed Walnuts Fruit & Nuts, Dried Cranberries & Glazed Walnuts Other Snacks 450kcal 0Protein 20Fat 70Carbs Ruiz Food Products Inc Taquitos, Beef & Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 259kcal 9.4Protein 11.8Fat 30.6Carbs Ruiz Food Products Inc Taquitos Flour Tortillas, Beef & Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 259kcal 9.4Protein 11.8Fat 30.6Carbs Ruiz Food Products Inc Beef Taquitos, Corn Tortillas Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 200kcal 8.2Protein 8.2Fat 25.9Carbs Ruiz Food Products Inc Corn Tortillas Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 200kcal 8.2Protein 8.2Fat 24.7Carbs Quaker Maid Meats, Inc. Meatballs, Classic Flame Broiled Frozen Bacon, Sausages & Ribs High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 235kcal 14.1Protein 16.5Fat 5.9Carbs Quaker Maid Meats, Inc. Homestyle Bite Size Meatballs Frozen Bacon, Sausages & Ribs High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 235kcal 14.1Protein 16.5Fat 5.9Carbs Quaker Maid Meats, Inc. Dinner Size Meatballs Frozen Bacon, Sausages & Ribs High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 235kcal 14.1Protein 16.5Fat 5.9Carbs Dried Cranberries & Glazed Walnuts, Dried Cranberries & Glazed Supervalu, Inc. Dried Cranberries & Glazed Walnuts, Dried Cranberries & Glazed Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 450kcal 0Protein 20Fat 70Carbs Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. Homestyle Turkey Meatballs, Homestyle Frozen Bacon, Sausages & Ribs High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 214kcal 19.1Protein 15.5Fat 3.6Carbs Ruiz Food Products Inc Taco Seasoned Beef & Cheese Taquitos, Beef & Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 255kcal 8.2Protein 13.3Fat 26.5Carbs Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. Italian Style Turkey Meatballs, Italian Style Frozen Bacon, Sausages & Ribs High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 214kcal 19.1Protein 15.5Fat 2.4Carbs

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.