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

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)

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

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)

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 →

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) →

E202 (Potassium Sorbate) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, offering 58% water solubility at room temperature. INS 202, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day, widely utilized in beverages, syrups, and cosmetics to block yeast fermentation.

View full E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E-Number Code	E150a	E202
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 202
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class)	11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent)
Primary Mechanism	Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores	Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Chemical Formula	—	C6H7KO2

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