E150 (b) - Caustic Sulphite Caramel

Leticia Celentano Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026
E150 (b) - Caustic Sulphite Caramel

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)



E150b or sulfite caramel is a natural colorant that is used in the food industry to brown products. It has a bitter taste.

The food additive E150b (caustic-sulphite caramel) is a subtype of the colorants of the E150 group. Often the additives from this group are simply called "caramel". E150b or sulfite caramel is a natural colorant that is used in the food industry to brown products.

The substance is produced by heat treatment (controlled heating) of carbohydrates (sugars). The main difference of caustic-sulphite caramel with other additives from the E150 group is that during its synthetic production sulphate compounds are used, which are responsible for the characteristic taste properties of the substance.

The natural food coloring E150b is approved for use in the food industry in all countries of the world, including Ukraine, Russia, the EU and the USA.

Main characteristics of the additive E150b (caustic-sulphite caramel):

  • Color - brown, caramel;
  • Consistency - liquid (viscous solution or syrup), solid or crumbly state;
  • Taste - sharp, bitter;
  • Smell of burnt sugar.

The main purpose of the colorant is to give the products a brown tint. The substance is resistant to light and temperature. It is highly soluble in water.

Influence of the caustic-sulfite caramel additive on humans

Benefits

The colorant has radioprotective properties, therefore it protects against radiation damage by preventing mutations caused by radiation.

It hurts

The food supplement E150b has undergone many tests and research that have not revealed any negative effects on the body. It is considered harmless to the human body. At the same time there is a permissible daily dose of the substance - no more than 200 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

Use of caustic-sulphite caramel (E150b)

 

The food additive E150b is used for coloring many food products:

  • yogurts;
  • dairy products with chocolate and caramel filling;
  • jellies and marmalades;
  • canned fruits;
  • beverages - alcoholic (beer, wine) and soft drinks (beer, carbonated beverages), as well as alcohol;
  • vegetables in butter or brine;
  • vinegar;
  • chocolate butter;
  • boiled meat, sausages, sausages, minced meat products.

Thanks to the use of alkaline-sulphite technology in the production of sulphite caramel coloring, it is suitable for coloring strong alcoholic beverages. In the United States and the European Union it is used to color medicines and cosmetics.

 
More on the topic:
  • E150 (d) Ammonia sulphite caramel
  • E150 (a) Caramel plain
  • E150 (c) Ammonia caramel
  • E223 Sodium metabisulfite

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