What is E153? Vegetable Carbon Explained
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E153 is Vegetable Carbon — a colour (charred plant material) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
What is E153 (Vegetable Carbon)?
E153 is Vegetable Carbon, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A colour (charred plant material) 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, E153 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 E153 found?
E153 (Vegetable Carbon) 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 E153 safe?
EFSA has reviewed E153 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Vegetable Carbon to harm at normal dietary intakes.
EFSA opinion: Vegetable Carbon — status Safe.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E153. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Related to E153 (Vegetable Carbon)
Products relevant to this additive and your dietary choices
Natural Food Colouring
Plant-based and fruit-extract alternatives to synthetic colours.
Natural Food Dyes
Gel and powder colours from natural sources.
E153 FAQs
What is E153 in food?
E153 is Vegetable Carbon — a colour (charred plant material) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
Is E153 safe to eat?
EFSA has reviewed E153 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Vegetable Carbon to harm at normal dietary intakes.
Is E153 vegan?
E153 (Vegetable Carbon) is vegan. It is derived from charred plant material, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E153 halal?
E153 (Vegetable Carbon) is halal. It is derived from charred plant material, 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