Comparing E150C - Ammonia caramel vs E154 - Brown FK

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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.

E154 - Brown FK

Brown FK (E154) is an artificial brown food color once used to give smoked fish a deeper, even tint, especially kippers. It is a complex mixture of azo dyes and is now rarely seen on ingredient lists, with authorization depending on the country and product type.

Synonyms

E150c

Ammonia caramel

baker's caramel

confectioner's caramel

beer caramel

Caramel Color Ammonia

Caramel Color

E154

Brown FK

Kipper Brown

Functions

colour

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 23,798 products

Found in 1 products

Search rank & volume

#1617.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#51920 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.05

under-aware

×1.32

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.

Popular questions

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