In some brown beverages, e.g. cola, caramel is used.
When sugar is heated, its colour and taste change. It turns brown, its sweetness is reduced and it acquires a burnt taste. It caramelises (as in the production of caramels).
Caramel can also be produced under controlled chemical conditions so that a dark colour is achieved without any negative impact on the taste.
Different brown beverages require caramel with different properties.
