E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative)
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.
E260 (Acetic Acid / Ethanoic acid) is a natural carboxylic acid produced via aerobic Acetobacter fermentation of ethanol. INS 260, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), giving vinegar its characteristic pungent sour flavor and pickling preservative action.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E150a | E260 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150a | INS 260 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring | Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Tastant |
|
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 | Lowers pH below 4.2, destroying bacterial cell membrane proton motive force |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales | Table vinegars (4–8%), pickled cucumbers, mustard, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free | 100% Vegan (Biological vinegar fermentation), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1005) |
|
Chemical Class
|
Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | CH3COOH (pKa 4.76) |