Sulfite-ammonia caramel

Sulfite-ammonia caramel is notable for histamine, nickel, FODMAPs and salicylate. Clear on lactose, gluten, fructose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, sucrose, tyramine and oxalates.

Yes — Sulfite-ammonia caramel is high in histamine. Sulfite-ammonia caramel (E150d) is the colour of cola, and it is the other sulfite-made grade - so the same residual-sulfite mechanism applies. It is by far the most produced caramel colour in the world, which makes it the one you are most likely to meet. The caramel itself carries no histamine - it is the residual sulfite that puts it on this page, a different intolerance that often travels with this one.

Sulfite-ammonia caramel contains moderate levels of nickel. Sulfite-ammonia caramel is a caramel colour made by heating sugar with sulfite and ammonia. Nothing in the molecule contains nickel, but nickel is the workhorse catalyst of industrial organic synthesis, and a trace of the catalyst survives into the product. For this additive there is no legal nickel ceiling at all.

Sulfite-ammonia caramel contains only low levels of FODMAPs. Sulfite-ammonia caramel is sugar heated until it browns and polymerises. What comes out is no longer a simple sugar and is used for colour at very low doses - the sweetness and the fermentable fraction both go into the browning.

Sulfite-ammonia caramel contains only low levels of salicylate. Made with both sulfites and ammonia compounds. Like the other caramels here, it is listed by association rather than for any salicylate content. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.