Comparing E150A - Plain caramel vs E161 - Xanthophylls

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Overview

E150A - Plain caramel

Plain caramel (E150a) is a brown color made by heating sugars. It adds warm amber to deep brown tones to foods and drinks and is the simplest “caramel color,” produced without ammonia or sulfites. It is used widely and is considered safe when used as allowed by regulators.

E161 - Xanthophylls

Xanthophylls (E161) are natural yellow to orange-red pigments from the carotenoid family. In food, they are used mainly as color additives, with examples including lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin. They can come from plants and algae, or be made by synthesis.

Synonyms

E150a

Plain caramel

caramel color

caramel coloring

E161

Xanthophylls

Functions

colour

Origins

Products

Found in 156 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#1537.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#314530 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×7.16

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What color is caramel?
Caramel color (E150a) gives foods a brown hue, ranging from light golden-brown to deep dark brown depending on the amount used.
What is caramel color made of?
E150a is made by controlled heating (caramelizing) of sugars such as sucrose, glucose syrup, or corn syrup, without adding ammonium or sulfite compounds.
Does caramel color cause cancer?
Class I caramel color (E150a) is not made with ammonia and isn’t associated with the 4‑MEI concern seen in some other caramel classes; regulators consider it safe at permitted food levels.
Does caramel color have gluten?
No—caramel color is generally gluten-free; even when sourced from wheat, processing removes gluten proteins to below regulatory thresholds.
How to lighten dark brown hair to caramel color?
E150a is a food color, not for cosmetic use; to achieve a caramel hair shade, use hair dye/bleach products and consult a professional stylist for safe lightening.