Key Features of Vegetable Carbon Black: 1.  Natural Origin: Derived from the carbonization of vegetable materials, making it a natural alternative to synthetic black dyes.  2.  Color: Provides a deep, intense black color, which is highly desirable in certain food applications.  3.  Stability: Generally stable under a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, making it suitable for various food processing conditions.  4.  Safety: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies when used within specified limits.   Applications in Food: 1.  Confectionery: ◦  Licorice: Used to color black licorice candies.  ◦  Gummies and Jellies: Added to gummy candies and jelly products to achieve a black color.  ◦  Chocolate: Sometimes used in dark chocolate products to enhance the black color.    2.  Baked Goods: ◦  Cakes and Pastries: Used in black forest cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries to create a striking visual effect.  ◦  Cookies: Added to cookie dough to produce black cookies.    3.  Dairy Products: ◦  Cheese: Used in some types of cheese to achieve a black or dark gray color.  ◦  Ice Cream: Added to ice cream to create black or dark-colored flavors.