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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative)
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 →
E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) →

E260 (Acetic Acid / Ethanoic acid) is a natural carboxylic acid produced via aerobic Acetobacter fermentation of ethanol. INS 260, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), giving vinegar its characteristic pungent sour flavor and pickling preservative action.

View full E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative)
E-Number Code
E101 E260
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 260
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Tastant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 CH3COOH (pKa 4.76)
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Lowers pH below 4.2, destroying bacterial cell membrane proton motive force
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Table vinegars (4–8%), pickled cucumbers, mustard, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Biological vinegar fermentation), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1005)

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Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E101: Riboflavin 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vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E960: Steviol 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