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Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)

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

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)

Highlight Diffs (10)

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 →

E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) →

E170 (Calcium Carbonate / CaCO3) is a fine mineral salt mined from limestone or precipitated synthetically. INS 170(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a white surface colorant, acidity buffer, anti-caking agent, and calcium nutrient fortificant.

View full E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
E-Number Code	E150a	E170
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 170(i)
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient
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	High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Chemical Formula	—	CaCO3

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Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline 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