Caramel colors are among the oldest food colorings, used in the food industry to impart an appealing appearance to food products since the 1800s. Today, caramel colors account for approximately 80% of all color additives used in foods and beverages, appearing in products such as, spirits, sauces, baked goods, processed meats, and even pet foods.
The popularity of this spectrum of warm, neutral tones in foods is largely attributed to basic psychology: The deep brown colors that develop on cooked steak, or the golden-brown surface of cookies made with eggs, are indications that the food has been converted into a form that is safe to eat. Further, the cooking and baking of foods that yield recognizable brown shades also release a complex array of enticing aroma and flavor compounds.