E150 · Caramel Color
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Safe in moderation
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Japan MHLW
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Safe in moderation
What is E150?
Caramel color is a widely used food coloring made by controlled heating of carbohydrates (typically sugars), sometimes with acids, alkalis, or salts. It is one of the oldest and most common food colorants, giving foods and drinks a brown appearance, and comes in four regulated classes (E150a–d).
Also appears on labels as: Caramel Color, Caramel Colour, E150, E 150, E-150, E150a, E 150a, E-150a, E150b, E 150b, E-150b, E150c.
What the evidence says
- Classes E150c and E150d are produced with ammonia or ammonia-sulphite compounds and may contain trace 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI); EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake and considers typical exposure levels not a health concern, though high-dose 4-MEI has been linked to tumors in animal studies
- Contributes to overall additive intake with no nutritional value
- Considered safe at the levels used in foods and beverages
- No nutritional value beyond coloring
Frequently asked questions
Is E150 safe?
Our overall verdict for E150 (Caramel Color) is “Safe in moderation”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe in moderation; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Japan MHLW: safe in moderation; Health Canada: safe in moderation.
Is E150 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Caramel Color — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E150 and why is it used?
Caramel color is a widely used food coloring made by controlled heating of carbohydrates (typically sugars), sometimes with acids, alkalis, or salts. It is one of the oldest and most common food colorants, giving foods and drinks a brown appearance, and comes in four regulated classes (E150a–d).
Does E150 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Caramel Color.
Watch E150
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.