E150A · Plain caramel
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E150A?
Plain caramel is a caramel colour made by heating sugar (with or without water) without adding the acids, alkalis, or sulphites used in other caramel classes. It produces a warm amber-to-brown colour used in soft drinks, baked goods, sauces, and confectionery. It is the mildest and simplest of the four caramel colour classes and is generally recognized as safe by EFSA and the FDA within regulatory limits.
Also appears on labels as: Plain Caramel, Caramel, Caramel Color, Caramel E150a, E150a, E 150a, E-150a, Food Caramel, Caramelized Sugar, Caramel Extract, Caramel Syrup, Caramel Coloring.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- Unlike caramel classes III and IV (E150c/E150d), plain caramel is not associated with 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) formation, so it carries fewer regulatory concerns.
Research behind the verdict
- Caramel Colour I (Plain) (E150a) – Recent Findings — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2022). Produced by heating carbs without ammonium/nitrite; generally regarded safe; ADI 300 mg/kg bw/day; no impurity concern.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E150A safe?
Our overall verdict for E150A (Plain caramel) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E150A vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Plain caramel — 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 E150A and why is it used?
Plain caramel is a caramel colour made by heating sugar (with or without water) without adding the acids, alkalis, or sulphites used in other caramel classes. It produces a warm amber-to-brown colour used in soft drinks, baked goods, sauces, and confectionery. It is the mildest and simplest of the four caramel colour classes and is generally recognized as safe by EFSA and the FDA within regulatory limits.
Does E150A contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Plain caramel.
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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.