E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
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.
E162 (Beetroot Red / Betanin) is a water-soluble red-purple betacyanin pigment pressed or extracted from red beets (Beta vulgaris). INS 162, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used in dairy, ice creams, and sausages.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E150a | E162 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150a | INS 162 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring | Food Color (Red-Purple) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores | Betanidin glycoside absorbing green light (535–538nm) to reflect intense magenta-red |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales | Strawberry yogurt, berry ice creams, confectionery, fruit preparations |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free | 100% Vegan (Beetroot juice extract), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.40) |
|
Chemical Class
|
Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C24H26N2O13 (Betanin glucoside) |