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

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)

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

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)

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 →

E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) →

E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, highly soluble and active against yeasts and bacteria in acidic environments (pH < 4.5). INS 211, group ADI is 5 mg/kg bw/day, the standard antimicrobial in carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices.

View full E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E-Number Code	E150a	E211
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 211
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class)	5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent)
Primary Mechanism	Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores	In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	Vegan, Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Chemical Formula	—	C7H5NaO2

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