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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →

E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.

View full E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 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
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E-Number Code
E101 E150a
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 150a
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class)
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 —
Chemical Class
— Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins

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