What is E150b? Caustic Sulphite Caramel Explained
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E150b is Caustic Sulphite Caramel — a colour (heated sugar with sulphite) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
What is E150b (Caustic Sulphite Caramel)?
E150b is Caustic Sulphite Caramel, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A colour (heated sugar with sulphite) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E150b has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Where is E150b found?
E150b (Caustic Sulphite Caramel) is found in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing, jams and preserves, ready meals, desserts.
- sweets and confectionery
- soft drinks
- cake icing
- jams and preserves
- ready meals
- desserts
Is E150b safe?
E150b is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E150b is a sulphite or sulphite-related additive — sulphites are declared allergens that can trigger asthma and respiratory reactions in sensitive people (estimated 5–10% of asthmatics). For most people consuming Caustic Sulphite Caramel in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.
EFSA opinion: Caustic Sulphite Caramel — status Some concerns.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E150b. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Cleaner alternatives to E150b
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MORiSH Pork Chicharrónes
Prefer snacks with no artificial colours, preservatives or sweeteners? MORiSH pork chicharrónes are 79% protein, zero carbs and have a short, readable ingredient list.
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E150b FAQs
What is E150b in food?
E150b is Caustic Sulphite Caramel — a colour (heated sugar with sulphite) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
Is E150b safe to eat?
E150b is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E150b is a sulphite or sulphite-related additive — sulphites are declared allergens that can trigger asthma and respiratory reactions
Is E150b vegan?
E150b (Caustic Sulphite Caramel) is vegan. It is derived from heated sugar with sulphite, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E150b halal?
E150b (Caustic Sulphite Caramel) is halal. It is derived from heated sugar with sulphite, which involves no haram sources.
Related Colours additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA