Caramel color concentrates are prepared by subjecting a solution of caramel color to ultrafiltration through a semi-permeable membrane having a Molecular Weight Cut Off (MWCA) of no greater than 3000 Daltons to retain caramel solids but remove 4 MeI and other salts. After ultrafiltration the retentate is subjected to an acidifying step to convert remaining impurities into salts which are then removed. A shelf stable concentrate is obtained having color bodies with a wide range of molecular weight.