# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) →

E100 (Curcumin) is a natural diarylheptanoid yellow pigment extracted from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa). INS 100(i), ADI is 3 mg/kg bw/day, providing bright yellow-orange coloration in mustard, cheese, and curry powders.

View full E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) spec sheet →
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) →

E150a (Class I / Plain Caramel) is produced by controlled thermal heating of food carbohydrates without ammonium or sulfite compounds. INS 150a, ADI is Not Specified, yielding a warm brown-amber color in spirits, whiskey, and vinegars.

View full E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E-Number Code
E100 E150a
INS / Codex Number
INS 100(i) INS 150a
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange) Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
3 mg / kg body weight per day Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class)
Primary Mechanism
Light absorption at 420–430nm producing vibrant golden-yellow hue; polyphenol antioxidant activity Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores
Common Target Foods
Prepared mustard, curry seasonings, margarine, cheese rinds, confectionery Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Turmeric root extraction), Halal, Kosher Certified 100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.600) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)
Chemical Formula
C21H20O6 —
Chemical Class
— Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins

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Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming 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