Caramel colours (E150 and its classes): Halal or Haram?
Halal
The brown colour made by heating sugar. The classes differ in which chemical is present while the sugar cooks, which changes the colour's properties but never brings an animal into it.
E150 Caramel colour
The brown colour made by heating sugar until it darkens.
Why it is Halal. Sugar and heat are the whole recipe. Some classes are processed with ammonia or sulphite, which changes nothing about the source.
Where you meet it. Cola, soy sauce, gravy, bread, beer-style drinks.
E150a Plain caramel
Caramel colour made with heat alone, no other reagent.
Why it is Halal. Heated sugar and nothing else, so no animal source arises.
Where you meet it. Whisky-style flavourings, bread, sauces, confectionery.
E150b Caustic sulphite caramel
Caramel colour produced with a sulphite present.
Why it is Halal. The starting material is still sugar; the sulphite is a processing aid and not animal-derived.
Where you meet it. Spirits-style drinks, vinegars, sauces.
E150c Ammonia caramel
Caramel colour produced with ammonia present.
Why it is Halal. Sugar remains the source. Ammonia is a manufactured chemical, not an animal product.
Where you meet it. Beer-style drinks, sauces, baked goods, pet food.
E150d Sulphite ammonia caramel
The caramel class used to colour cola.
Why it is Halal. Sugar with sulphite and ammonia as processing chemicals. Nothing in the chain is animal-derived.
Where you meet it. Cola and other dark soft drinks, sauces.
What to do in the shop
Nothing special to do for E150 itself. Read the rest of the list: a product is only as clear as its least clear ingredient.
Questions people ask
Is E150 Halal?
E150 (Caramel colour): Halal. Sugar and heat are the whole recipe. Some classes are processed with ammonia or sulphite, which changes nothing about the source.
Is E150a Halal?
E150a (Plain caramel): Halal. Heated sugar and nothing else, so no animal source arises.
Is E150b Halal?
E150b (Caustic sulphite caramel): Halal. The starting material is still sugar; the sulphite is a processing aid and not animal-derived.
Is E150c Halal?
E150c (Ammonia caramel): Halal. Sugar remains the source. Ammonia is a manufactured chemical, not an animal product.
Products we checked that contain caramel colours (E150 and its classes)
- Sinalco Cola 1 l · Mushbooh
- Sinalco Cola 1 l · Mushbooh
- Sinalco Cola Zero 1 l · Mushbooh
- Sinalco Zero 0,5 l · Mushbooh
- Trolli Spaghettini Sour Cola 225 g · Mushbooh
- METRO Chef Bacon Snack · Haram
Related additives
Check a product, not just a number
An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.