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

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

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

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

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 →

E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) →

E500 (Sodium Carbonates / Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO3) is a mineral salt leavening agent and pH buffer. INS 500(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing under heat and acid to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that expand cakes, cookies, and pretzel crusts.

View full E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
E-Number Code	E150a	E500
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate)
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking
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	Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Chemical Formula	—	NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate)

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