Abstract: A caramel includes water, glycerol, fat, and about 10% by weight or greater of at least one protein source including at least one protein. A method of forming a caramel includes combining water, glycerol, fat, and about 10% by weight or greater of at least one protein source including at least one protein to form a caramel composition. The method also includes hydrating the protein at a hydrating temperature less than a denaturation temperature of the protein to achieve the caramel having a predetermined water activity without denaturing the protein. The caramel includes about 25% by weight or greater of the protein source, and the protein is not in a denatured state in the caramel. A comestible product includes a protein core layer and a layer of a slab-able caramel adhering to the protein core layer.