Caramel
CARAMEL COLOUR — REDEFINED
Caramel Colour is a dark brown liquid material derived from the controlled heat treatment of fine-grade crystal sugar, with or without the use of additive reagents. It is defined and regulated as a food colour additive.
Internationally, the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has divided Caramel Colour into four classes, depending on the food-grade reactants used during manufacturing.
At Ramkripa Agro Foods, our premium caramel colours deliver uniform hue, vibrant tone, and authentic depth for beverage, dairy, confectionery, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
JECFA Caramel Colour Classes
| E-Number | Class | Caramel Colour Type |
|---|---|---|
| E150a | Class I | Plain Caramel Colour |
| E150b | Class II | Caustic Sulfite Process Caramel Colour |
| E150c | Class III | Ammonia Process Caramel Colour |
| E150d | Class IV | Sulfite Ammonia Process Caramel Colour |
Ramkripa Caramel Colours Specification
| Particulars | Type-I | Type-II | Type-III | Type-IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Process | Plain Process | Sulphite Process | Ammonia Process | Sulphite Ammonia Process |
| Common Names | Plain Caramel, Caustic Caramel, Spirit Caramel | Caustic Sulfite Caramel | Ammonia Caramel, Baker’s Caramel, Confectioner’s Caramel, Beer Caramel | Sulfite Ammonia Caramel, Acid Proof Caramel, Soft Drink Caramel |
| Colour Character | Negative Caramel Colour; Spirit Soluble; Red Tone | Low Sulfite; Positive Caramel Colour | Positive Caramel Colour | Acid Proof; Negative Caramel Colour |
| Applications | Carbonated Beverages, Liquors, Sauces, Confectionery, Bakery | Whiskies, Brandies, Confectionery, Distillery Industries | Beer, Malted Foods, Soy Sauce, Dairy Products, Protein Drinks | Carbonated Beverages, Country Liquor, Rums, Sauces, Confectionery, Pharmaceuticals |
| EEC No. | E150a | E150b | E150c | E150d |
Product Description
Type-I – Plain Caramel
Ramkripa Caramel Grade-I is produced by carefully controlled heat treatment of food-grade carbohydrates, with or without acids, alkalies or salts.
Type-II – Sulphite Caramel
Ramkripa Sulphite Caramel is produced by carefully controlled heat treatment of food-grade carbohydrates, with or without acids, alkalies or salts, in the presence of sulphite compounds. No ammonium compounds are used.
Type-III – Ammonia Caramel
Ramkripa Ammonia Caramel is produced by carefully controlled heat treatment of food-grade carbohydrates, with or without acids, alkalies or salts, in the presence of ammonium compounds. No sulphite compounds are used.
Type-IV – Ammonia-Sulphite Caramel
Ramkripa Ammonia-Sulphite Caramel is produced by carefully controlled heat treatment of food-grade carbohydrates, with or without acids, alkalies or salts, in the presence of both sulphite and ammonium compounds.
Physical & Chemical Specifications
| Parameter | Type-I | Type-II | Type-III | Type-IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colour Intensity, % by Mass | 0.01 – 0.12 | 0.06 – 0.10 | 0.08 – 0.36 | 0.10 – 0.60 |
| Baumé @ 15.5°C | 39.6 – 40.0 | 37 – 38 | 34.7 – 36.3 | 28.80 – 29.20 |
| Specific Gravity @ 20°C | 1.2468 – 1.2511 | 1.341 – 1.354 | 1.315 – 1.3327 | 1.25 – 1.28 |
| pH, as is | 2.7 – 3.0 | 2.9 – 3.3 | 4.1 – 4.8 | 2.8 – 3.3 |
| Ionic Character (Colloidal Charge) | Negative | Negative | Positive | Negative |
Microbiological Specifications
| Parameter | Type-I | Type-II | Type-III | Type-IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Plate Count/g, Max. | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Yeast/g, Max. | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Mold/g, Max. | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| E. coli/g (MPN) | Less than 3 | Less than 3 | Less than 3 | Less than 3 |
| Salmonella/25g | Negative | Negative | Negative | Negative |
Packaging
Packaging is available as per customer requirement.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of the product is one year under the recommended storage conditions. In accordance with good manufacturing practices, it is recommended that the product be rotated every year.
Storage Conditions
- Do not expose the product to direct sunlight.
- Store in a dry environment.
- Recommended storage temperature: below 32°C.
- These storage conditions apply to Type-I, Type-II, Type-III and Type-IV Caramel Colours.
Customer-Specific Requirements
We also manufacture Caramel Colour products as per the customer’s specific requirements.
Applications
Where Caramel performs best
Beverages
Uniform colour and smooth tone in soft drinks, spirits, and malt beverages.
Bakery & Confectionery
Enhances appearance and flavour in syrups, caramels, fillings, and toppings.
Dairy Products
Adds golden-brown colour to puddings, custards, and desserts.
Pharmaceuticals
Used in syrups and coating formulations for consistent visual appeal.
How We Work
Simplifying the complexity of industrial processes
Assessment
In-depth evaluation of raw materials and end-use application to customize caramel grade, tone, and stability.
Processing
Advanced systems control heating profiles, pH, filtration, and concentration for consistent viscosity and colour depth.
Maintaining
Each batch undergoes filtration, homogenization, and shade verification for long-term stability and uniformity.
Partner with Ramkripa Agro Foods
Partner with Ramkripa Agro Foods to source premium caramel colours engineered for consistency, stability, and visual appeal. Whether you require Class I to Class IV caramel or a custom formulation — our team is ready to collaborate.