What is the color 150d sugar? Understanding E150d (Caramel Colour IV)

December 2, 2025 •

2 min read

Caramel coloring is one of the most widely used food colorings in the world, and what is known as the color 150d sugar is a specific classification of this common additive. It is the commercial name for Caramel Colour IV (E150d), a dark brown, water-soluble food coloring manufactured using specific chemical processes.

Quick Summary

Color 150d sugar is Caramel Colour IV (E150d), a dark brown food additive produced by heating carbohydrates with ammonium and sulfite compounds. It is commonly used in acidic foods and drinks, including cola beverages, baked goods, and soy sauce, because of its rich color and stability.

Key Points

Identity: The color 150d sugar is not burnt sugar but a chemically produced food additive called Caramel Colour IV (E150d).
Production: It is made by heating food-grade carbohydrates with both ammonium and sulfite compounds.
Properties: E150d is known for its strong, dark brown color and high stability in acidic environments, making it versatile for many applications.
Usage: This colorant is widely used in colas, sauces, baked goods, and alcoholic beverages to provide a consistent brown color.
Safety: Regulatory bodies monitor its safety, particularly regarding the byproduct 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI), and approve its use within established limits.
Class: E150d is one of four classes of caramel coloring, each distinguished by its manufacturing process and properties.

What is Color 150d Sugar? (Caramel Colour IV)

The term "color 150d sugar" refers to Caramel Colour IV, known as E150d in Europe and INS 150d globally. It's a chemically produced food coloring, not simply caramelized sugar. E150d is the most versatile of the four caramel color classes, valued for its dark brown to black color and excellent stability in acidic conditions, making it suitable for products like soft drinks.

How is E150d Produced?

Caramel color E150d is made by heating food-grade carbohydrates with both ammonium and sulfite compounds as catalysts. This process involves:

Heating carbohydrates.
Adding ammonium and sulfite compounds.
Polymerization reactions to create dark-colored molecules.
Neutralization and purification.

Common Uses and Applications

E150d is widely used in the food industry due to its strong coloring and acid stability. Common uses include:

Soft Drinks: Provides color to colas and dark carbonated drinks.
Baked Goods: Used for browning.
Sauces and Seasonings: Standardizes color in soy sauce, BBQ sauce, etc..
Alcoholic Beverages: Colors spirits and liquors.
Confectionery: Used in chocolates and desserts.
Soups and Gravies: Adds traditional color.

The Four Classes of Caramel Coloring

Caramel colors are classified based on reactants used during heating of carbohydrates. The four classes recognized by JECFA and EFSA have distinct properties and applications.

Comparison of Caramel Color Classes


Feature	Class I (E150a)	Class II (E150b)	Class III (E150c)	Class IV (E150d)
Reactants	Acids or alkalis only	Sulfite compounds	Ammonium compounds	Sulfite & ammonium compounds
Color Hue	Yellow to red-brown	Red-brown to very dark brown	Red-brown to dark brown	Dark brown to black-brown
Colloidal Charge	Mildly negative	Negative	Positive	Strongly negative
Acid Stability	Stable above pH 3.0	Good stability	Good stability in many applications	Excellent stability in acids
Alcohol Stability	Highest	Good	Good	Good
4-MeI Content	No	No	Yes (limited)	Yes (limited)
Common Uses	Baked goods, spirits	Wine, brandy	Beer, sauces, pet food	Soft drinks, baked goods

Safety and Regulation of E150d

Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have evaluated caramel colors, including E150d. E150c and E150d production involves ammonium compounds, leading to the byproduct 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI).

While high 4-MeI doses caused health concerns in animal studies, levels in commercial E150d are low and within safety limits set by regulators. EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 300 mg/kg body weight for caramel colors (E150a-d). European regulations limit 4-MeI in E150d, and the FDA considers current consumption levels safe.

Conclusion

Color 150d sugar refers to Caramel Colour IV (E150d), a chemically engineered food additive. It provides a stable, dark brown color to acidic foods and drinks like cola and soy sauce. Regulators ensure that byproduct levels like 4-MeI are within safe limits. E150d is a widely approved coloring agent essential for visual consistency in many foods and drinks.

Learn more about the safety and regulation of caramel colors at the European Food Safety Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are not the same. Homemade caramel is simply heat-treated sugar for flavoring, while E150d is an industrially produced food additive that uses ammonium and sulfite compounds for coloring and specific functional properties.

Yes, regulatory agencies worldwide, including the FDA and EFSA, have deemed E150d safe for consumption at the levels found in food and drink. The levels of byproducts are carefully monitored and kept within safe limits.

4-methylimidazole (4-MeI) is a byproduct formed when ammonium compounds are used to produce certain caramel colors like E150d. While high doses were linked to cancer in some animal studies, the levels in food products are considered too low to pose a health risk to humans.

Most E150d caramel colors are produced from corn-based or cane-based materials and are considered gluten-free. However, it is possible for the carbohydrate source to come from wheat or barley, so those with sensitivities should check with the manufacturer.

You can find E150d in a wide variety of products, including colas and other soft drinks, soy sauce, dark beers, coffee, chocolate syrups, baked goods, and sauces.

E150a (Plain Caramel) is made with minimal reactants, while E150d (Sulfite Ammonia Caramel) is made with both sulfite and ammonium compounds. E150d is much darker and more stable in acidic solutions, making it suitable for different applications than E150a.

Yes, caramel color, including E150d, is generally considered vegan. It is manufactured from carbohydrates and does not typically involve animal products in its standard production process.

E150d is highly stable in acidic conditions and has a strong negative colloidal charge. This makes it an effective and consistent coloring agent for acidic carbonated beverages like cola, preventing issues like precipitation.