a fuel composition is disclosed that comprises insoluble caramel color bodies produced by the thermal degradation of carbohydrates . the fuel composition may be prepared using a carbohydrate such as a sugar and using an acid catalyst , such as using oxalic acid or citric acid . the fuel composition may be prepared by dissolving the carbohydrate in water to form a solution , and heating the solution over time so that a portion of the carbohydrate is converted to an insoluble polymer . the solution is preferably heated until at least approximately 40 % by weight of the carbohydrate is converted to an insoluble polymer and is more preferably heated until it least approximately 50 % by weight of the carbohydrate is converted to an insoluble polymer . an explosive composition may be prepared by combining an oxidizer with caramel color bodies . the caramel color bodies are preferably non - hygroscopic , have a neutral ph , and have a high molecular weight .