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E153 Vegetable Carbon – Food Colorant

E153, known as Vegetable Carbon, is an approved natural food colorant that gives foods a deep black color. It is derived from plant-based materials and is permitted in the EU for use in certain cheese and confectionery products.

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Things worth knowing about "E153"

E153, known as Vegetable Carbon, is an approved natural food colorant that gives foods a deep black color. It is derived from plant-based materials and is permitted in the EU for use in certain cheese and confectionery products.

What is E153?

E153, commonly referred to as Vegetable Carbon or Plant Carbon Black, is a natural food colorant produced by the controlled combustion of plant-based raw materials such as wood, peat, cellulose, or coconut shells. It imparts an intense deep black color to food products and is an approved food additive in the European Union.

Origin and Production

E153 is manufactured from plant-derived raw materials through a process called pyrolysis or controlled high-temperature combustion. The result is a fine black powder composed primarily of pure carbon. Because it originates from natural, plant-based sources, it is classified as a natural colorant and may also be used in certain organic and natural cosmetic products, depending on applicable regulations.

Uses in Food

Within the European Union, E153 is permitted under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives for specific food categories. Common applications include:

Hard cheeses and cheese products (e.g., black cheese rinds)
Confectionery and sweets (e.g., licorice, black candies)
Baked goods with decorative black coloring
Pates and processed meats in certain regional specialties

Maximum permitted levels vary by product category and are defined in EU food additive legislation.

Safety and Health Assessment

E153 is not absorbed by the human body -- it passes through the digestive tract without being metabolized. This property means it is generally considered safe for consumption. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E153 and concluded that it does not pose a safety concern when used as intended.

However, some points are worth noting:

E153 can temporarily turn stools black, which should not be confused with the presence of blood in the stool.
In very large amounts, it may interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and medications in the gut, since activated carbon is known for its adsorptive properties.
Individuals who take regular medications should exercise caution when consuming large quantities of products containing E153.

Labeling Requirements

Foods containing E153 must declare it in the ingredients list either as E153 or as Vegetable Carbon. Unlike certain synthetic colorants (such as the so-called Southampton dyes), E153 does not require an additional warning label.

Difference from Activated Charcoal

E153 (Vegetable Carbon) and medicinal activated charcoal are chemically related but not identical. Activated charcoal undergoes additional activation steps that greatly increase its surface area and adsorption capacity. E153 has a significantly lower adsorption capacity and is specifically intended for use as a food colorant rather than as a medicinal product.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of vegetable carbon (E 153) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2012.
Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.
Burdock, G. A.: Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press, 6th edition, 2010.

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