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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)

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 →

E501 (Potassium Carbonates / K2CO3) is an inorganic alkaline mineral salt. INS 501(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used as the key 'Kansui' alkaline agent in Japanese ramen noodles and in the Dutch processing of cocoa powder.

View full E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E101 E501
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 501(i) (Potassium Carbonate)
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Acidity Regulator, Alkaline Leavening, Kansui Salt
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 K2CO3
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Alkalinizes noodle dough (pH 9–11), tightening glutenin network and converting flavonoid pigments yellow
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Ramen noodles (Kansui), Dutch-process alkalized cocoa powder, gingerbread leavening
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher Vegan (Mineral salt), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1619)

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Anti-Mold) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → 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 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Color) 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: 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