Caramel Color

Flavors + Colors

  • Potentially Harmful

Definition

Caramel colors are a complex mixture of compounds produced by heating carbohydrates under controlled heat and chemical processing conditions. They are divided into four classes according to the manufacturing reactants used. Labels listing caramel color may include any of the 4 classes (10 types) of caramel color.

Health Impact

Some types of caramel artificial coloring contain a potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemical called 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI).

Sources