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

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan)

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

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan)

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 →

E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) →

E412 (Guar Gum) is a natural galactomannan hydrocolloid extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). INS 412, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), boasting 8x the thickening power of cornstarch and hydrating completely in cold water.

View full E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan)
E-Number Code	E150a	E412
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 412
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Thickener, Emulsion Stabilizer, Dietary Fiber
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	Entangles water molecules via extensive hydrogen bonding, producing high viscosity at low shear
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Gluten-free baked goods, salad dressings, ice creams, sauces, instant soup powders
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	100% Vegan (Guar bean seed endosperm), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1339)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Mannose to Galactose Ratio	—	2 : 1 (High galactose substitution enables instant cold water solubility)

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