The Clean Label Alternative to Caramel Color

Natural Brown Coloring

The Challenge

Caramel color (E150a-d) has been a staple in food manufacturing for decades, providing the rich brown hues consumers associate with savory products, gravies, sauces, baked goods, and beverages. However, growing clean label demands and consumer skepticism toward E-numbers and chemically processed ingredients have made caramel color increasingly problematic. Some caramel color variants face regulatory scrutiny over potential contaminants, and "caramel color" on a label signals "processed food" to many consumers. Food manufacturers need natural browning solutions that deliver authentic color without compromising clean label positioning or consumer trust.

How Our Solution Works 

Plant Color Golden Brown is a natural food ingredient derived from our onion sources, providing rich brown coloring through naturally occurring compounds rather than chemical processing. Unlike caramel color which is produced through heat treatment of sugars with or without acids and alkalis, our plant-based color comes from the natural pigments and reactions within the onion itself. The result is a warm, golden-brown hue that works across diverse applications while maintaining clean label credentials.

The coloring mechanism relies on natural compounds present in onions that provide stable, heat-resistant browning without the need for synthetic processing aids or chemical modifications. This means consistent color performance across production conditions while meeting the strictest clean label standards worldwide.

Key Differentiators vs. Caramel Color

Caramel Color: E-number designation, chemically processed, varying regulatory status globally, consumer-negative perception Plant Color Golden Brown: Recognizable plant-based ingredient, naturally derived, clean label friendly, positive consumer perception

While caramel color requires declaration as E150 in many markets and carries processed food associations, Plant Color Golden Brown appears on labels as a simple, understandable ingredient that supports natural positioning claims.

Proven Results Across Applications

• Sauces & Gravies: Rich brown color with natural ingredient declaration
• Seasonings & Spice Blends: Authentic browning without E-numbers
• Baked Goods: Golden-brown tones from plant-based sources
• Meat Products: Natural browning that enhances visual appeal
• Ready Meals & Soups: Warm, appetizing color from clean label ingredients
• Beverages: Alternative to Class I-IV caramel colors in select applications

Beyond Coloring: Multiple Benefits

Replacing caramel color opens opportunities for broader reformulation. Plant Color Golden Brown not only delivers color but can contribute subtle flavor notes that complement savory applications, reducing the need for additional flavoring ingredients. The clean label appeal supports premium positioning and export to markets with strict natural ingredient requirements.

Who Benefits

Brands pursuing clean label differentiation, manufacturers reformulating products to remove E-numbers, export-focused companies entering markets with caramel color restrictions, organic and natural food producers requiring plant-based alternatives, and any food manufacturer responding to consumer demand for recognizable ingredients—all find Plant Color Golden Brown delivers authentic browning without compromise.

Global Regulatory Compliance

Plant Color Golden Brown meets natural coloring requirements across major markets including EU natural color regulations, FDA natural color guidance for North America, and clean label standards in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific regions, providing a truly global solution for browning applications.

Ready to Replace Caramel Color?

Explore our technical specifications, request samples, or connect with our applications team to discuss your specific natural coloring needs.