Brown HT
Permitted in AU-NZ and EU. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Colours
- Acceptable daily intake
- 1.5 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
E155, or Brown HT (Chocolate Brown HT), is a synthetic brown azo dye used primarily to replace cocoa or caramel colouring in highly processed foods. It is entirely artificial and has no nutritional value.
How it is used in food
Used to color chocolate cakes.
Commonly found in- Chocolate-flavoured milk and milkshakes
- Cheap chocolate cakes and biscuits
- Jams, jellies, and fruit preserves
Health and safety
Potential health concerns that led to bans.
Unlike the famous "Southampton Six" colours, Brown HT does not require a mandatory hyperactivity warning in the EU. However, it is an azo dye and shares the same structural concerns regarding allergic reactions and asthma triggers.
Hypersensitivity reactions
As an azo dye, it may provoke allergic reactions, including hives (urticaria) and asthma, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to aspirin.
Banned in the US, Canada, and much of Scandinavia while permitted in the EU within limits.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted without warnings. |
| Canada Health Canada |
Banned | Not approved for use in Canada. “Banned” |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Banned | Not approved for use in food. “Banned” |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E155
- Colour index
- 20285
Also printed asChocolate Brown HT · Food Brown 3
Alternatives to this additive
- E150a: Plain caramel — A safer, non-azo brown colouring derived from heated sugars.
- E150c: Ammonia caramel — Commonly used to provide deep brown colours in baked goods and drinks.
How it is made
It is manufactured chemically from petroleum-derived aromatic compounds (specifically, diazo coupling of hydroxynaphthalenesulfonic acids).
- Chemical Synthesis — Synthesised through complex chemical reactions involving petroleum derivatives (azo coupling).
- Purification — The dye is purified to remove unwanted by-products before being dried into a powder.
Worth knowing
It is a synthetic azo brown.
Conclusion
Brown HT is a purely cosmetic dye with a poor global regulatory standing. Given that natural alternatives like cocoa powder and plain caramel exist, its presence usually indicates a highly processed, lower-quality product.
References
Is it in what you are buying?
ScanWise reads the barcode and tells you which additives a product actually contains, and what they do to its score.
Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
← All additives