Tag: Acid stability

According to the International Technical Caramel Association, caramel color is the world's most widely used food coloring, with beverages like colas accounting for three-quarters of the demand. Far from a simple aesthetic choice, the question of why is caramel color added to soda reveals a complex interplay of visual appeal, chemical stability, and enhanced flavor perception.

The deep, dark brown shade of Diet Coke comes from a complex food additive, not simple caramelized sugar, a fact few consumers know. So, what is the caramel color in Diet Coke made of and why is it used? The specific ingredient is Class IV caramel coloring, a highly-processed substance optimized for soft drinks.