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Sugar color (Caramel, caramel, E150, burnt sugar, caramel)
Sugar color is a substance of natural or chemical origin, used as a food additive-dye. In the international classification of food additives, sugar color has an index of E150.
General characteristics of E150 (Sugar color)
Sugar color has several varieties, so it can occur in the form of a powder, solution or thick liquid from a rich dark brown to bright yellow color, it is well soluble in water.
E150 has a characteristic smell of burnt sugar and a bitter taste. Sugar color is formed by caramelizing sugar, malt syrup, sucrose, starch or molasses. Caramelization is the process of interaction of carbohydrates with acids, alkalis or salts, which takes place at high temperatures.
E150 is divided into subgroups:
- E150a (Sugar color I) – a simple color obtained by heat treatment of carbohydrates without impurities, simple caramel;
- E150b (Sugar color II) – for the production of this color, an alkaline-sulfate technology is used;
- E150c (Sugar color III) – used ammonia technology;
- E150d (Sugar color IV)-ammonia-sulfite technology is used.
The benefits and harms of Sugar color
Sugar color does not have harmful components, but, depending on the raw materials used (lactose, cereals), it can provoke the appearance of allergic reactions in those who are allergic to these products. E150 is considered a harmless food supplement, but it also does not bring real benefits to the body. The permissible daily intake of the food supplement E150 is 160-200 mg per kg of body weight, the difference in the standard depends on the type of sugar color (calorizator). The additive E150a does not have a maximum permissible norm, because it is considered completely harmless.
Application of E150
Sugar color is one of the most common and popular colorants, it is used in the production of almost all types of sweets and confectionery, bread, pastries, chips, creams, alcoholic beverages, where it acts not only as a dye, but also as an emulsifier.
Using the E150
On the territory of our country, the use of E150 as a food additive-dye is allowed, provided that the permissible standards are strictly observed.