What is E150b?
E150b is Caustic Sulphite Caramel — made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
What is E150b (Caustic Sulphite Caramel)?
E150b is the E-number for caustic sulphite caramel, one of the food colourings group of food additives (E100–E199). Additives in this group add or restore colour to foods and drinks. Made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds. Like every E-number, E150b has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E150b in detail below.
Where is E150b found?
E150b is typically used in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E150b) or by its full name, caustic sulphite caramel. Common foods that may contain E150b include:
- Sweets
- Soft drinks
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Sauces and snacks
Full guide: foods containing E150b and how to spot it on labels →
Is E150b safe?
E150b is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E150b.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E150b vegan?
E150b is vegan. Made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E150b →Is E150b halal?
E150b is halal. Made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E150b →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E150b in food?
E150b is Caustic Sulphite Caramel — made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
Is E150b safe to eat?
Yes. E150b is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E150b vegan?
E150b is vegan. Made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E150b halal?
E150b is halal. Made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).