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

E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)

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

Comparing:
E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color)
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
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 →
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) →

E406 (Agar-Agar) is a natural sulfated galactan polysaccharide hydrocolloid extracted from red algae seaweeds (Rhodophyta). INS 406, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), forming firm, brittle thermoreversible gels with huge hysteresis (melts at 85°C, sets at 35°C).

View full E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color)
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E-Number Code
E100 E406
INS / Codex Number
INS 100(i) INS 406
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange) Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
3 mg / kg body weight per day Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Light absorption at 420–430nm producing vibrant golden-yellow hue; polyphenol antioxidant activity Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices
Common Target Foods
Prepared mustard, curry seasonings, margarine, cheese rinds, confectionery Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Turmeric root extraction), Halal, Kosher Certified 100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.600) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115)
Chemical Formula
C21H20O6 —
Chemical Components
— Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer)

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