Caramel color is the most consumed food coloring ingredient in the world. And while “caramel color” may sound harmless, even appetizing, in no way does it resemble real caramel. Some types of this artificial coloring contain a potentially carcinogenic chemical called 4-methylimidazole (4-Mel). The caramel coloring process is done by heating a sugar compound (usually high-dextrose corn syrup), often together with ammonium compounds, acids, or alkalis.

The caramel color has a thick, sticky, and syrupy consistency. Without this, cola wouldn’t be brown, and happy hour beers wouldn’t be gold.

This is why if you must drink an occasional diet soda, it is better to drink zero-calorie clear liquid diet sodas that do not have caramel coloring as an ingredient. (Some examples: Coca-Cola Clear, Diet Fresca, Diet Ginger Ale, Diet Mountain Dew, Diet 7Up, Diet Sprite)