A process of making a caramel color comprising a) mixing a carbohydrate with an ammonia compound and a sulfite compound and at pH from just greater than about 4.0 to about 6.0； and b) heating of the mixture from step a) in a sealed vessel to a temperature of from about 120° C. to about 137° C. and maintaining a temperature in said range for at least about 2 hours, said time and temperature being sufficient to yield a product having a color level of at least about double strength and a level of 4-MeI of less than about 20 ppm, is provided. Also provided is a process of ramped heating which results in a similar caramel color product.
