Is Caramel Color Bad For You?
Short answer
Caramel coloring is very bad for you and should be avoided at all costs. It is known to cause cancer by the state of California, and can bring many unwanted side effects.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Caramel color is found in many sodas, such as Coca-cola, and a few foods in order to give them a unique brown tinge. The ingredient may sound harmless and even pretty tasty, but research may convince you otherwise.
There are a few different types of caramel coloring, however, the most widely used ones contain an ingredient known as 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI). In recent years, this byproduct has been stirring up some controversy. It has been proven to cause cancer in rats and has been added to California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer. The Center for Science in the Public Interest even started a petition in 2011 urging the FDA to ban the types of caramel color that are cancerous.
If causing cancer isn't already bad enough, caramel coloring can also increase blood pressure, decrease your body's amount of white blood cells, and potentially cause severe allergic reactions to gluten sensitive individuals.
Caramel coloring has absolutely zero nutritional value, and can pose a wide range of serious side effects. It is unfortunate that millions are consuming this toxic byproduct, though its only use is for aesthetics. If you haven't already begun to check your food / drink labels, you may want to do so. It is in your best interest to avoid this food additive, or at least heavily moderate your consumption of it.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
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increased blood pressure
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decreased white blood cell count
Commonly found in
- dark colored sodas
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gravies
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dark breads
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licorice
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custards
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beer (some brands)
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fillings / toppings
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frozen desserts
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cough drops
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Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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