No Bollocks: Newcastle Brown Ale Changing Its Recipe

By Les Masterson (Patch Staff)

Photo credit: Les Masterson

Newcastle Brown Ale is changing its recipe after concerns were raised about caramel coloring that is linked to cancer in animal studies.

Heineken, which has been producing the brown ale since 2008, said it is removing caramel coloring from the drink and replacing it with roasted malts. The roasted malts should give Newcastle Brown Ale the same flavor and coloring.

Heinekin said in a statement:

“Caramel colouring is found in many of the food and beverage products that we all enjoy, including many beers, and is permitted by recognised food standards bodies.

“The amount used in Newcastle Brown Ale is comfortably within the recommended levels set by these bodies.

“However, we listened to consumer concerns that have been expressed, particularly in the USA, and chose to review our recipe.

“We will now achieve the distinctive colouring and flavour of Newcastle Brown Ale, that our consumers enjoy, by using roasted malts instead.”

Made along the River Tyne in Northeast England for generations, Newcastle Brown Ale has undertaken a cheeky No Bullocks ad campaign featuring Parks & Recreation’s Aubrey Plaza and veteran actor Will Wheaton. The beer is now produced by Heineken in North Yorkshire, England.