E153: Vegetable carbon
What is E153?
Vegetable carbon (E153), also called carbon black or vegetable black, is a very fine, insoluble black powder consisting almost entirely of carbon.
Origin and production
It is made by burning plant materials such as wood, coconut shells or other vegetable matter at high temperature with limited oxygen, then purifying and milling the resulting carbon.
Why is it used?
It provides an intense black or grey colour in liquorice, gummy candies, sweets and decorations, and sometimes in cheese coatings and bakery products.
Vegan, vegetarian and halal
Vegetable carbon is plant-derived and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, offering an alternative to blacks made from other sources.
Safety and regulation
E153 is authorised in the EU and was re-evaluated by EFSA, with specifications limiting impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is not on the list of colour additives permitted in food in the United States.
Written by the Foodlas editorial team with AI assistance and checked against EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and EFSA scientific opinions. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 · EFSA — Food additives · Wikidata
Common in
Products containing E153
