# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel)
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →

E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.

View full E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) spec sheet →
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) →

E150d (Class IV Caramel) is prepared by heating carbohydrates with both sulfite and ammonium compounds, creating an intensely dark, negatively charged colloid. INS 150d, group ADI is 300 mg/kg bw/day, the global color standard in cola soft drinks.

View full E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel)
E-Number Code
E101 E150d
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 150d
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Food Color (Deep Brown / Black)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day 300 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI for caramel colors)
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) High tinctorial power melanoidin polymers soluble and stable in carbonated phosphoric acid matrix
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Cola soft drinks, dark beers/stouts, gravies, pet foods, soy sauce
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher Vegan (Sugar/syrup base), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (Strictly controlled 4-MEI limits)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 —
Isoelectric Point & Charge
— Strong negative colloidal charge (pH 0.5–2.0) preventing precipitation in acid sodas

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →