Comparing E150C - Ammonia caramel vs E150B - Caustic sulphite caramel

Overview

E150C - Ammonia caramel

Ammonia caramel (E150c) is a dark brown food color made by heating sugars with ammonium compounds. It gives a stable, appealing brown shade to drinks and foods, especially colas, sauces, and baked goods. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow its use when it meets strict specifications.

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E150B - Caustic sulphite caramel

Caustic sulphite caramel (E150b) is a brown food color made by heating sugars in the presence of sulfite under alkaline conditions. It gives foods and drinks a deep brown tone without adding much taste. It is authorized in the European Union and allowed in the United States as “caramel color.”

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Synonyms
E150c
Ammonia caramel
baker's caramel
confectioner's caramel
beer caramel
Caramel Color Ammonia
Caramel Color
E150b
Caustic sulphite caramel
caramel E150b
Functions
colour
colour
Origins
Plant
Plant
Animal
Products

Found in 23,798 products

Found in 2 products

Search rank & volume
#1617.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#46850 / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.05
under-aware

×1.76
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 7 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

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Popular questions

  1. What color is caramel?

    E150c (ammonia caramel) imparts a brown to deep brown, often slightly reddish-brown, color to foods and drinks.

  2. What is caramel color made of?

    Class III caramel color (E150c) is made by heating carbohydrates (such as glucose or sucrose syrups) with ammonium compounds, without sulfites, creating complex brown polymers.

  3. Does caramel color cause cancer?

    E150c can contain trace 4‑methylimidazole (4‑MEI), a byproduct linked to tumors in high‑dose animal studies. Typical dietary exposures are low, and regulators like FDA, EFSA, and JECFA consider caramel colors safe at normal use levels (California’s Prop 65 sets a warning level for 4‑MEI).

  4. Does caramel color have gluten?

    No—caramel color (including E150c) is gluten‑free; even when sourced from wheat, processing removes gluten proteins, though you can confirm with the manufacturer if needed.

  5. How to lighten dark brown hair to caramel color?

    E150c is a food colorant and isn’t intended for hair dye; use cosmetic hair‑color products and consult a professional stylist for safe lightening.

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