Digestoa
Additive · Colour

Sulphite ammonia caramel (E150D)

Sulphite ammonia caramel (E150D) is a colour that Digestoa flags as moderate risk. Common concerns include 4-mei (possible carcinogen).

Digestoa riskModerate risk
TypeColour
Found inbrightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts
Concerns4-MEI (possible carcinogen)

What is Sulphite ammonia caramel?

Sulphite ammonia caramel (E150D) is a colour — added to give food a specific colour.

Is Sulphite ammonia caramel bad for you?

Digestoa flags Sulphite ammonia caramel as moderate risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including 4-mei (possible carcinogen). How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Sulphite ammonia caramel?

Brightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Sulphite ammonia caramel. But it's a useful flag: when you see E150D on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Choose products coloured with natural extracts like beetroot (E162), paprika (E160c) or turmeric (E100).

Frequently asked questions

Is E150D the same as Sulphite ammonia caramel?
Yes — E150D is the international additive (E-number) code for Sulphite ammonia caramel.
Is Sulphite ammonia caramel bad for you?
Digestoa flags Sulphite ammonia caramel (E150D) as moderate risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as 4-mei (possible carcinogen).
What are the side effects of Sulphite ammonia caramel?
Reported concerns include: 4-MEI (possible carcinogen).
What foods contain Sulphite ammonia caramel?
Brightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts.
How can I avoid Sulphite ammonia caramel?
Check the ingredients list for "Sulphite ammonia caramel" or "E150D", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related colour additives

Titanium dioxide (E171)Tartrazine (E102)Quinoline Yellow (E104)Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)Azorubine / Carmoisine (E122)Ponceau 4R (E124)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.