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

E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

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

Comparing:
E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) →

E140 (Chlorophyll) is the natural magnesium-porphyrin green pigment extracted from grass, alfalfa, and nettles. INS 140(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), utilized to restore vibrant botanical green color to confectionery, oils, and pasta.

View full E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green 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
E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E-Number Code
E140 E150a
INS / Codex Number
INS 140(i) INS 150a
Functional Class
Food Color (Green) Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class)
Primary Mechanism
Light absorption in red (660nm) and blue (430nm) spectra, reflecting vibrant botanical green Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores
Common Target Foods
Pesto, spinach pasta, mint confectionery, olive oil blends, liqueurs Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Plant solvent extraction), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.125 EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)
Chemical Formula
C55H72MgN4O5 (Chlorophyll a) —
Chemical Class
— Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Anti-Mold) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E407: 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Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →