Caramel Color
Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · Evidence strength: Limited · How we grade evidence
In plain words: Caramel color is a brown coloring used in colas, dark sauces and many other foods. Some kinds contain a by-product called 4-MEI that caused cancer in mice at high doses. Most big sodas lowered their levels after 2011, and regulators don't see a risk at normal amounts. For families, soda's sugar is the bigger concern.
Also listed on labels as: Caramel color, Caramel coloring, E150a, E150b, E150c, E150d
What is it, and why is it in food?
Caramel color is made by heating sugars. Some types (called Class III and IV) are made with ammonia compounds, which can create small amounts of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI). Labels just say "caramel color," so you can't tell which type is used. It's in colas and root beer, soy and Worcestershire sauce, gravies, dark breads, ice cream and many more products.
What does the science say?
| The popular claim | "Caramel coloring in colas contains 4-MEI, a carcinogen." (A common claim from consumer groups; none of the five experts we checked made it.) |
| Our verdict on that claim | Partly supported |
| Evidence strength | Limited: mouse studies and exposure estimates; regulators see no risk at typical intake. |
| Kinds of studies | Animal studies, exposure studies, government reviews |
- Animal studies: 4-MEI caused lung tumors in mice in a US government (NTP) study.1
- How much people get: A 2015 study measured 4-MEI in 11 sodas. Some brands would give a person more than California's 29-microgram daily limit at typical drinking levels.2
- The other side: A 2018 review (written by an industry consultant) concluded caramel colors don't damage DNA or cause cancer at real-world levels.3 Europe's 2011 review also found 4-MEI levels not a concern.4
What do regulators say?
- FDA says it has no reason to believe 4-MEI at levels expected in food is a short-term danger, and it is reviewing long-term data.1
- California lists 4-MEI under Proposition 65 (since 2011) with a 29 microgram per day threshold for warnings.5
- Europe allows caramel colors (E150a to E150d) with daily intake limits.4
Who should be careful?
- Heavy cola drinkers get the most 4-MEI. For kids, the sugar and caffeine in soda matter more.
How common is it in US foods?
In our check of USDA's Branded Foods database, 29,013 of 439,966 US packaged foods with an ingredient list name caramel color (about 6.6%, or roughly 1 in 15).6 It shows up most often in: soda (2,713); ice cream & frozen yogurt (2,178); cakes, cupcakes, snack cakes (1,383); ketchup, mustard, bbq & cheese sauce (1,326); cookies & biscuits (1,277). Some of this may be plain caramel color with no 4-MEI. Labels don't say which type is used. These are label records companies sent to USDA, mostly in 2021 to 2023, so some products have changed since. Counts come from a text match of ingredient lists and are approximate.
Swaps and tips for families
- Treat soda as an occasional drink. Sparkling water with a splash of juice is a good everyday swap.
- Some clear sodas and root beers are made without caramel color, if you're picking a treat.
- Soy sauce and gravy are minor sources. No need to stress about them.
Beyond the plate: related non-food exposures
4-MEI also forms in roasted coffee and some cooked foods. It's also an industrial chemical used in making medicines and dyes.
Frequently asked questions
Is caramel color bad for you?
Plain caramel color isn't a concern. Some types contain trace 4-MEI, which caused cancer in mice at high doses. Regulators don't see a risk at typical intake, and most big sodas lowered their levels after 2011.
Which caramel color has 4-MEI?
Class III and IV caramel colors, which are made with ammonia, can contain 4-MEI. Labels usually just say "caramel color."
Is caramel color the same as caramel?
No. Caramel color is a coloring, not the sweet caramel used in candy.
Related guides
- Phosphoric Acid and Phosphate Additives
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
- Titanium Dioxide (E171)
- Food dyes and colors
Sources
Every source below was checked against PubMed, the publisher or the official page by our research team in October 2026.
- FDA: Questions & Answers about 4-MEI. Link
- Caramel color in soft drinks and exposure to 4-methylimidazole: a quantitative risk assessment. PloS one, 2015. PubMed 25693062 · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0118138
- Caramel color safety - An update. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2018. PubMed 29222054 · doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.004
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a,b,c,d) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2011. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2004
- OEHHA: 4-Methylimidazole. Link
- FoodData Central, Branded Foods dataset (release 2026-04-30). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2026. Link
This guide is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. If you think you or your child reacted to a food, talk to a health professional. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 18, 2026. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].