Additive guides · Product label guide

What is caramel color? The four classes, 4-MEI and what the FDA says.

Updated October 24, 2026

What caramel color is, how the FDA defines it, which classes contain 4-MEI, what the NTP and IARC found at very high doses, why labels do not say which class is used, and catalog products that list caramel color.

Quick answer

Caramel color is a brown food color made by heat-treating carbohydrates, sometimes with acids, alkalis or salts. Classes III and IV contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a by-product that also forms when coffee beans and meats are cooked; Classes I and II do not. IARC classes 4-MEI in Group 2B, and an NTP mouse study showed more lung tumors at doses far above human exposure. The FDA says it has no reason to believe 4-MEI poses immediate or short-term risk at expected food levels. Labels do not have to name the class.

FDA rule: 21 CFR 73.85
Contain 4-MEI: Classes III and IV
IARC 4-MEI: Group 2B (2013)
Label names class?: Not required

01 · A closer look

How caramel color is defined.

Under 21 CFR 73.85, caramel is a dark-brown liquid or solid made by heat-treating food-grade carbohydrates, such as dextrose, invert sugar, molasses, starch hydrolysates or sucrose, under controlled conditions. Specified acids, alkalis and salts, including ammonium compounds and sulfites, may be used to assist caramelization. It may color foods generally and is exempt from batch certification.

21 CFR 73.85: caramel

02 · A closer look

What 4-MEI is.

The FDA says 4-MEI forms at low levels when some foods are cooked, such as coffee beans and roasted or grilled meats, and during manufacture of Class III and Class IV caramel color. Class I and Class II do not contain it. The agency adds that removing 4-MEI from food is not feasible because it forms during normal cooking, and that some manufacturers have reduced its levels in their products.

FDA: questions and answers about 4-MEI (content current as of Mar 27, 2020)

03 · A closer look

What the animal studies and IARC found.

In 2007 National Toxicology Program studies a two-year rat study was inconclusive and a two-year mouse study showed an increased incidence of certain lung tumors; a 2020 multigeneration rat study showed reproductive and developmental effects. The FDA says both used doses far above current estimates of human exposure from food. IARC’s official list classifies 4-methylimidazole in Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans (Volume 101, 2013), which describes the strength of evidence, not the size of risk.

IARC Monographs: agents classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1 to 123 (official list)

04 · A closer look

The FDA’s position and what is not settled.

The FDA says that based on current science it has no reason to believe 4-MEI presents immediate or short-term health risks at levels expected in food, is not recommending dietary changes, and is reviewing safety data, including possible limits for Class III and IV. Its Q&A is current as of March 27, 2020; check for newer action.

FDA: questions and answers about 4-MEI (content current as of Mar 27, 2020)

05 · A closer look

Reading the label.

The FDA does not require makers to name the caramel color class, and “caramel color” alone does not confirm that 4-MEI is present. This site therefore does not flag caramel color as one of its nine groups; the products below simply name it on their recorded label, picked across shelves. Open any for the full statement and verification date.

Useful answers

What is caramel color made of?

Heat-treated carbohydrates such as sugars, molasses or starch hydrolysates, sometimes with acids, alkalis or salts.

Is caramel color bad for you?

The FDA says it has no reason to believe 4-MEI poses immediate or short-term risk at expected levels. Animal studies used very high doses, and IARC lists 4-MEI as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B).

What is 4-MEI?

A by-product that forms in Class III and IV caramel color and when some foods, such as coffee and roasted meats, are cooked.

Which caramel color classes contain 4-MEI?

Class III and Class IV; Class I and II do not, per the FDA.

Can I tell the class from a label?

Usually not. The FDA does not require the class to be named.

An ingredient check is not a nutrition, contaminant, allergy, or safety assessment.

The short answer

Our picks for what is caramel color?

WinnersPyure Organic Organic Caramel Flavored Syrup and Wolfgang Puck Organic Soup, Signature Tortilla each score 100/100. They tie, so choose on the exact flavor or format you want.

Runners-upGood & Gather London Fog Tea Latte Concentrate (71), Quaker Caramel Rice Cakes (71), and Wholesome Provisions Pumpernickel Sliced Bread (71).

Clear noPost Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds (lists seed oils, artificial preservatives and corn syrups), Dr Pepper Soda, 2 Liters (lists artificial preservatives and corn syrups), Kroger Rising Crust Pizza (lists seed oils and artificial preservatives), plus 13 more with a listed group.

Ranked from 24 of 24 products with current labels. Every product is in the table below; a score reflects labels and claims, not nutrition, allergies or safety.

Compare the recorded labels

Find the ingredients that matter to you.

Only show matches

24 of 24 products

“No …” columns: None found on the label · Listed on the label · Unknown. Diet fit: Fits · Doesn’t fit · Unknown (rules; not medical advice). Claims: verified · not established. Default: most check marks first; not a health score.

Compare product claims and recorded ingredients. Click a column heading to sort.
		Buy
	100 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · organic	Find where to buy ↗Product details →	5
Recorded ingredients Water, Organic Soluble Tapioca Fiber, Organic Erythritol, Organic Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Organic Caramel Color, Sea Salt, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, Organic Acacia, Tartaric Acid Label checked 2026-10-11 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗ Sourcing claim evidence ↗ · reviewed 2026-10-11 Producer claims Organic The exact source catalog title states: “Organic Caramel Flavored Syrup”. Source catalog claims are shown separately from ingredient checks. Producer claim source ↗ Reviewed 2026-10-11
	100 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · organic	Product details →	5
Recorded ingredients WATER, ORGANIC VEGETABLE STOCK (WATER, VEGETABLES AND RECONSTITUTED VEGETABLES [CARROTS, CELERY, ONIONS, TOMATOES]), ORGANIC DICED TOMATOES IN ORGANIC TOMATO JUICE, ORGANIC CORN, ORGANIC TOMATO PUREE (WATER, ORGANIC TOMATO PASTE), ORGANIC ONIONS, ORGANIC BLACK BEANS, ORGANIC WHITE CORN MASA, ORGANIC RED PEPPERS, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, ORGANIC SUGAR, SALT, ORGANIC SPICE, ORGANIC MALTODEXTRIN, ORGANIC SOY SAUCE (WATER, ORGANIC SOYBEANS, SALT, ORGANIC ALCOHOL), ORGANIC JALAPENO PEPPERS, ORGANIC YEAST EXTRACT, ORGANIC OREGANO, ORGANIC CILANTRO, ORGANIC CARAMEL COLOR, ORGANIC CELERIAC JUICE CONCENTRATE, ORGANIC DEHYDRATED GARLIC, ORGANIC DEHYDRATED ONIONS, ORGANIC POTATO STARCH. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 1896508 · data date 2021-07-29 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). Sourcing claim evidence ↗ · reviewed 2026-10-16
	89 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · organic not applicable	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients MINCED FISH BLEND (POLLOCK, WHITING, HADDOCK, COD, SOLE), WATER, WHEAT FLOUR, VEGETABLE OIL (CANOLA, COTTONSEED, AND/OR SOYBEAN), ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SUGAR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: SALT, ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, DEXTROSE, PALM OIL, HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN, CORN STARCH, LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SODIUM ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, CALCIUM LACTATE), DEHYDRATED ONION, YEAST, MODIFIED CELLULOSE, MALTODEXTRIN, NONFAT MILK, ONION POWDER, YEAST EXTRACT, ENRICHED BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, WHEY, BUTTER FLAVOR (ENZYME MODIFIED BUTTER, FLAVOR), NATURAL FLAVORS, YELLOW CORN FLOUR, SPICES, CARAMEL COLOR, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, ANNATTO AND TURMERIC (COLOR), SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE (TO RETAIN MOISTURE). Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2673110 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients BREWED ORGANIC TEA (WATER, ORGANIC BLACK TEA), ORGANIC CANE SUGAR, CONTAINS LESS THAN 1% OF ORGANIC CARAMEL COLOR, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2605563 · data date 2023-07-13 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE, DEGERMINATED MILLED COM, SUGAR, FRUCTOSE, MALTODEXTRIN, CARAMEL COLOR, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, SOY LECITHIN Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2528128 · data date 2023-04-27 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Find where to buy ↗Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients Cacao Beans, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Oat Milk Powder, Blanched Fine Diced Almonds, Puffed Quinoa, Toffee* (Evaporated Cane Juice, Sea Salt, Natural Flavor, Caramel Color), Coffee Beans, Coffee Flavor (Water, Ethyl Alcohol, Agave Syrup, Flavor, Glycerine, Natural Flavor), Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt, Vanilla Powder. *Organic Ingredient Label checked 2026-10-17 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗ Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗ Reviewed
	71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Find where to buy ↗Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients Water, Wheat Protein Isolate, Wheat Fiber, Wheat Gluten Flour, Modified Wheat Starch, Olive Oil, Inulin, Salt, Yeast, Caramel Color, Enzyme. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗ Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗ Reviewed
	71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Find where to buy ↗Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients RICE, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, YEAST EXTRACT, GARLIC, ONION, SALT, SPICES (INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, PAPRIKA, RED PEPPER), POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, RED AND GREEN BELL PEPPER, SEA SALT, SUGAR, CALCIUM STEARATE (TO MAKE FREE FLOWING), AND CARAMEL COLOR. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2546409 · data date 2023-05-25 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Buy on Amazon ↗Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients Pea Protein, Almonds, Cashews, Corn Flour, High Oleic Sunflower Oil and/or Canola Oil, Soy Protein Isolate, Tapioca Starch, Chickpeas, Chicory Root Fiber, Corn Fiber, Rice Flour, Whey, Pea Fiber, Oat Fiber, Potato Fiber, Food Starch - Modified, Guar Gum, Salt, Buttermilk Powder, Monocalcium Phosphate, Baking Soda, Onion Powder, Spices, Garlic Powder, Yeast Extract, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavors, Sour Cream (Cultured Cream and Nonfat Milk), Gum Arabic, Sugar, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tomato Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherols (to preserve freshness), Vinegar Solids, Yeast, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Corn Starch. Label checked 2026-10-11 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗ Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗ Reviewed
	63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID), HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, PALM OIL, PALM AND/OR SHEA OIL, CORNSTARCH, PALM AND/OR PALM KERNEL OIL, DEXTROSE, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), CHOCOLATE, COCOA, LACTOSE, BAKING SODA, SALT, SOY LECITHIN, CARAMEL COLOR, MILK, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2655848 · data date 2023-10-26 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients WATER, COOKED WHITE MEAT CHICKEN, COOKED ENRICHED LONG GRAIN RICE (WATER, RICE, IRON, NIACIN, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, FOLIC ACID), GREEN BEANS, SUGAR, WHEAT BERRIES, 2% OR LESS OF CASHEWS, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, CHICKEN BROTH, CORN OIL, MOLASSES, SEA SALT, RICE STARCH, HONEY, OAT FIBER, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, CARROTS, CELERY, ONIONS, CARAMEL COLOR, CHICKEN FAT, SPICES, SALT, NATURAL FLAVORS, LEMON PEEL, SAFFLOWER OIL, DRIED ONIONS, TARRAGON, DRIED GARLIC, PAPRIKA, LEMON OIL Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2560524 · data date 2023-06-29 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Find where to buy ↗Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients Organic gluten-free oats, organic brown sugar, expeller-pressed canola oil, organic sunflower seeds, organic unsweetened coconut, semi-sweet chocolate chips (organic cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter), buckwheat groats, organic puffed quinoa, organic maple extract (organic alcohol, organic maple syrup, organic caramel color*). Label checked 2026-10-17 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗ Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗ Reviewed
	63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients INSTANT COFFEE, CARAMELIZED SUGAR, CARAMEL COLOR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2287666 · data date 2022-05-23 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients CARBONATED WATER, SUCROSE, GLUCOSE, CITRIC ACID, TAURINE, SODIUM CITRATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, CAFFEINE, GLYCEROL ESTERS OF WOOD ROSINS, SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE, NIACINAMIDE, CARAMEL COLOR, PYRIDOXINE HCL, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, BLUE 1, VITAMIN B12. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2476545 · data date 2023-02-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	63 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients DEHYDRATED ONION, CHICKEN BOUILLON (SALT, HYDROLYZED CORN GLUTEN AND SOY PROTEIN, SUGAR, SOY FLOUR, CORN STARCH, CHICKEN FAT, SAFFLOWER OIL, ONION POWDER, CHICKEN MEAT, TURMERIC, GARLIC POWDER, SPICES, DISODIUM INOSINATE AND DISODIUM GUANYLATE), DEHYDRATED BELL PEPPERS, SPICES, SALT, DRIED CHILI PEPPER, SILICON DIOXIDE (TO PREVENT CAKING), BLACK PEPPER, WORCESTERSHIRE POWDER (HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, MOLASSES POWDER, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, SUGAR, SALT, CARAMEL COLOR, DEXTROSE, ONION POWDER, SPICES, GARLIC POWDER, SPICE EXTRACTIVES, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, NATURAL HICKORY SMOKE FLAVOR, SILICON DIOXIDE ADDED TO PREVENT CAKING), CHILI POWDER. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2316330 · data date 2022-05-23 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	60 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients PORK, BROWN SUGAR, CRUSHED PINEAPPLE (PINEAPPLE, PINEAPPLE JUICE, ASCORBIC ACID), TAMARI SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEANS, SALT, SUGAR), LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, SPICES, GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER, CULTURED CELERY POWDER (CULTURED CELERY POWDER, SEA SALT), CITRIC ACID, PALM OIL. MADE WITH BEEF COLLAGEN CASING (CARAMEL COLOR, CARMINE). Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2664128 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CARAMEL COLOR, PHOSPHORIC ACID, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), CAFFEINE Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2571096 · data date 2023-06-29 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, VINEGAR, WATER, TOMATO PASTE, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, HONEY, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, MOLASSES, NATURAL HICKORY SMOKE FLAVOR, MUSTARD FLOUR, POTASSIUM SORBATE (TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS), SPICE, DRIED GARLIC, DRIED ONIONS, CARAMEL COLOR, PAPRIKA Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2213451 · data date 2022-01-06 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients CRUST (WHEAT FLOUR, WATER, YELLOW CORNMEAL, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, YEAST, SALT, VITAL WHEAT GLUTEN, LEAVENING [CORN STARCH, SODIUM ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE], DIASTATIC MALT POWDER [MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, WHEAT FLOUR, TAPIOCA DEXTRIN AND/OR DEXTROSE], DOUGH CONDITIONERS [ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR {WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID}, CONTAINS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: GLUTEN, ENZYMES, ASCORBIC ACID, L-CYSTEINE], DOUGH STRENGTHENER [ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR {WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID}, ENZYMES]), SAUCE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE, SOYBEAN OIL, SEASONING [SALT, SPICES, GARLIC POWDER, SOYBEAN OIL, SILICON DIOXIDE {ANTI-CAKING}], XANTHAN GUM), LOW MOISTURE PART-SKIM MOZZARELLA CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART-SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), COOKED ITALIAN SAUSAGE (PORK, SPICES AND FLAVORINGS, WATER, SALT, SUGAR, SODIUM PHOSPHATES, PAPRIKA, CARAMEL COLOR), PEPPERONI MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF (PORK, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, BEEF, SALT, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SPICES, DEXTROSE, LACTIC ACID STARTER CULTURE, OLEORESIN OF PAPRIKA, SODIUM ASCORBATE, FLAVORING, SODIUM NITRITE, PRESERVATIVES [BHA, BHT, CITRIC ACID]), BELL PEPPERS (GREEN, RED), ONIONS, BLACK OLIVES (RIPE OLIVES, SALT, FERROUS GLUCONATE [TO STABILIZE COLORI). Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2674745 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN FOLIC ACID), VEGETABLE OIL (PALM OIL, CANOLA OIL. SESAME OIL, SAFFLOWER OIL), WATER, SUGAR, SALT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2 % OF AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, BETA CAROTENE COLOR, BROWN SUGAR, CARAMEL COLOR, CHICKEN FAT, CITRIC ACID, CONCENTRATED GREEN CABBAGE JUICE, CONCENTRATED OYSTER JUICE (OYSTER, WATER, SALT), DEXTROSE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, DISODIUM INOSINATE, DRIED BOK CHOY, DRIED CABBAGE FLAKE, DRIED CARROT FLAKE, EGG WHITE, HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN, LACTOSE, MALTODEXTRIN, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, NATURAL FLAVOR, ONION POWDER, POWDERED CHICKEN, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, SOY LECITHIN, SOYBEAN, TBHQ (PRESERVATIVE), TORULA YEAST EXTRACT, VINEGAR, WHEAT. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2657217 · data date 2023-10-26 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	55 / 1007 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, DISTILLED VINEGAR, TOMATO PASTE, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, PINEAPPLE JUICE CONCENTRATE, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, SPICES, CARAMEL COLOR, SODIUM BENZOATE AS A PRESERVATIVE, MOLASSES, CORN SYRUP, GARLIC,* SUGAR, TAMARIND, NATURAL FLAVOR. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2522567 · data date 2023-04-27 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	53 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Find where to buy ↗Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients Beef, Water, Salt, Contains Less than 1% of Sugar, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphate (Mineral Salt), Garlic Powder, Spice Extractives, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite, Natural Smoke Flavor. Coated with Natural Spices, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Dextrose, Spice Extractives. Label checked 2026-10-17 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗ Producer claims Sourcing claim not reviewed The catalog establishes this product’s name and photograph. Sourcing claims and a complete ingredient label may still need review. Producer claim source ↗ Reviewed
	53 / 1008 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	4
Recorded ingredients CURED WITH: WATER, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS: SODIUM LACTATE, SALT, DEXTROSE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM DIACETATE, SODIUM ASCORBATE (VITAMIN C), SODIUM NITRITE, CARAMEL COLOR. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2656071 · data date 2023-10-26 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).
	47 / 1006 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim	Product details →	3
Recorded ingredients CORN, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT, SUGAR, WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, ALMONDS, RICE, CANOLA OIL, WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, CORN SYRUP, SALT, MOLASSES, HONEY, CARAMEL COLOR, BARLEY MALT EXTRACT, CINNAMON, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, ANNATTO EXTRACT (COLOR). BHT ADDED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS. VITAMINS AND MINERALS: REDUCED IRON, NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3), VITAMIN A PALMITATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), ZINC OXIDE, THIAMIN MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN D3, VITAMIN B12. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2164291 · data date 2021-10-28 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0).

How the clean score works

No setup needed, and strict: a full 100 needs every additive group clear and a verified organic claim (animal foods also need a verified grass-fed or pasture-raised claim; wild seafood and salt, which have no USDA organic standard, are scored without the organic points, and plant-based milks, cheeses and proteins without the feeding claim). Points: the nine additive groups (seed oils, artificial dyes, MSG, artificial sweeteners, carrageenan, artificial preservatives, hydrogenated oils, corn syrups, banned-abroad additives) share 60 points equally — not found earns a group’s full share, “may contain” earns half, listed earns 0; a verified organic claim is worth 25; a verified grass-fed or pasture-raised claim is worth 15 and counts only for animal foods. No claim, or an expired or unverified claim, earns nothing, so products without those claims cannot reach 100. Unverified or expired ingredient labels receive no score. Equal scores are equal. Ties are ordered by brand. Unknown and stale evidence never passes “Only show matches.” Producer claims and prices do not affect this score. This is not a nutrition, allergy, or safety rating.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying links do not influence ingredient results. “Buy on Amazon” opens a reviewed product listing; “Find where to buy” opens the maker’s page. Confirm the package, seller, stock, and current price before checkout. Price observations expire after 30 days.

Primary sources

Sources

21 CFR 73.85: caramel law.cornell.edu
FDA: questions and answers about 4-MEI (content current as of Mar 27, 2020) fda.gov
IARC Monographs: agents classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1 to 123 (official list) monographs.iarc.who.int