Carbon Black

Carbon-Based Natural Black Food Color (E153): Deep, Stable, and Export-Ready

Carbon Black is a natural black food color made from plant-based materials through a clean carbonization process. As a result, it delivers a deep, intense black hue with subtle smoky undertones, creating bold visual contrast across a wide range of foods and beverages. Furthermore, its stability allows this natural pigment to perform reliably in baking, confectionery, and beverage applications, making it ideal for products where appearance and visual depth matter.

Natural carbon black powder in a wooden bowl and spoon, with scattered black carbon pieces on a white wooden surface – illustrating plant-based, clean-label natural black food color

Origin and Composition of Natural Carbon Black Food Color

Manufacturers obtain this natural pigment by carbonizing renewable plant sources, producing a fine carbon pigment free from artificial additives. Consequently, its pure botanical origin ensures consistent performance and compatibility with clean-label formulations, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic black dyes.

Health and Functional Benefits of Natural Carbon Black Food Color

Natural Carbon Black provides both functional performance and consumer-friendly advantages:

  • High heat and light stability – maintains color during cooking and storage.
  • Strong coloring power – achieves deep black tones at low dosage.
  • Neutral taste and aroma – blends easily into any recipe.
  • Safe and natural origin – supports clean-label product development.

Applications of Natural Carbon Black Food Color Across the Food Industry

Carbon Black (Liquid) finds widespread use in:

  • Bakery: dark bread, black croissants, cookies, cake decorations
  • Confectionery: black gummies, licorice, coated candies
  • Ice Cream & Desserts: charcoal ice cream, dark mousse, frozen desserts
  • Beverages: dark smoothies, cocktails, novelty drinks
  • Savory Foods: burger buns, pasta, sauces
  • Snacks: chips, coated nuts, extruded snacks
Black liquid food color bottle alongside black-themed desserts including ice cream, cupcake, cookie, and burger – showcasing the use of natural carbon black color in bakery, confectionery, and savory foods.

Regulatory and Technical Information

In the European Union and many international markets, regulators approve Carbon Black as a natural color additive under the code E153. Moreover, it meets food-grade quality standards and proves safe for use within the recommended dosage limits. Because manufacturers derive it from controlled carbonization of plant-based materials, it provides a deep black tone with excellent stability, making it a reliable and compliant option for natural food coloring applications.

Property Description
Active pigment Natural carbon pigment
Solubility Water-dispersible
Recommended dosage 0.05% – 0.5% (depending on application)
Heat stability High
Light stability Excellent
Shelf life 12 – 24 months (cool, dry conditions)
Packaging Food-grade HDPE bottles or drums

Comparison with Synthetic Colors

Unlike synthetic black dyes, natural Carbon Black delivers authentic depth and purity with a plant-based, chemical-free composition. In addition, it combines visual intensity, safety, and sustainability, meeting consumer demand for clean-label, naturally colored foods without compromising performance or shelf life.

Sustainability and Clean-Label Advantage

Manufacturers produce this pigment from renewable botanical materials, which reflects a commitment to eco-friendly production and transparent labeling. Therefore, its natural composition supports sustainable manufacturing and enhances consumer trust, offering brands a modern, responsible coloring solution.

Export and Supply

Carbon Black (No. CB-01) comes in liquid form for easy application across various industries. Additionally, producers package it in secure, food-grade containers and make it available for global distribution, serving manufacturers who value natural color performance and clean-label integrity.