Widely used in the food industry, caramel colours are additives which are soluble in water. They are obtained by the controlled heat treatment of food sugars, with or without chemical promoters.
| Norms | Classe Ie150aPlain caramel | Classe IIe150bCaustic sulfite caramel | Classe IIIe150cAmmonia caramel | Classe IVe150dSulfite ammonia caramel |
| Shade of colour | Brown/Red | Brown/Yellow/Orange | Brown/Yellow | Brown/Grey |
| Sulphite compounds | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Amonium compounds | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Characteristic caramelization promoter | Soda/or any | Soda sulphite | Ammonia | Ammonium sulphite |
| Colloidal | Weak | Negative | Positive | Negative |
Stability:
| + - - | + + +/- | - - + | - + + |
| Main uses | Brandies Coffee extracts Petfood Meat Speciality breads | Vermouths Brandies Aromatic extracts | Beers Malt vinegar Sauces | Soft drinks Petfood |
