Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
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.
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).
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E101 | E406 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 101(i) | INS 406 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant | Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) | Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks | Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C17H20N4O6 | — |
|
Chemical Components
|
— | Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer) |
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