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

E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color)
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)

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 →

E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, highly soluble and active against yeasts and bacteria in acidic environments (pH < 4.5). INS 211, group ADI is 5 mg/kg bw/day, the standard antimicrobial in carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices.

View full E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E100 E211
INS / Codex Number
INS 100(i) INS 211
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange) Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
3 mg / kg body weight per day 5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent)
Chemical Formula
C21H20O6 C7H5NaO2
Primary Mechanism
Light absorption at 420–430nm producing vibrant golden-yellow hue; polyphenol antioxidant activity In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes
Common Target Foods
Prepared mustard, curry seasonings, margarine, cheese rinds, confectionery Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Turmeric root extraction), Halal, Kosher Certified Vegan, Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.600) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733)

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