E150: Caramel

What is E150?

Caramel colour (E150) is a brown colouring made by carefully heating carbohydrates. It is grouped into four classes, E150a to E150d, which differ in the chemicals allowed during heating and in their colour strength and electrical charge.

Origin and production

It is made from food-grade sugars such as glucose syrup or sucrose. Plain caramel (E150a) uses heat alone, while the other classes are produced with sulphite compounds, ammonium compounds, or both, to achieve more intense or more stable colours.

Why is it used?

Caramel is one of the most widely used colourings, adding brown tones to colas and other soft drinks, biscuits, cakes, snacks, sauces, gravies and some beers and spirits. It mainly standardises appearance rather than adding flavour.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Caramel colour is normally made from plant-derived sugars and is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Where the exact source matters, manufacturer confirmation or certification is the best guide.

Safety and regulation

Caramel colours are authorised in the EU and were re-evaluated by EFSA, which set acceptable intakes for the classes. Levels of by-products such as 4-methylimidazole in the ammonia-based classes are controlled by EU specifications.

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