Vegetable Carbon (E153) — What You Need to Know
What Is Vegetable Carbon?
Vegetable Carbon is a natural black colorant produced by carbonizing plant materials such as wood, coconut shells, or peat at high temperatures. It is essentially very pure amorphous carbon. It gained widespread popularity in trendy 'black foods' such as black ice cream, black burgers, and charcoal lattes.
What Is It Used For?
Provides intense black coloring to confectionery, ice cream, pasta, and decorative food products. Popular in artisan and trendy food products in the EU.
Safety Assessment
Natural carbonized plant material, essentially very pure carbon. EFSA evaluated and found no safety concerns — set no ADI (considered safe). Not approved by FDA as a color additive for food, though activated charcoal is used in supplements and beverages. Gained popularity in trendy 'black foods' (ice cream, burgers, lattes). May interfere with absorption of medications if consumed in large amounts due to the activated charcoal effect.
Based on current evidence, Vegetable Carbon is rated Generally Safe with a score of 8/10. This is 2.2 points above the average for colorings (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2012.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E153 or 'Vegetable Carbon'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegetable Carbon
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E153
- INS Number
- 153
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- Not approved as food color additive (activated charcoal used in supplements)
- EFSA Status
- Authorized; ADI not specified (considered safe, no numerical limit needed)
- ADI
- Not specified mg/kg bw/day
- Last Review
- 2012
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family