E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
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.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E101 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 101(i) | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C17H20N4O6 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |