E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
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.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E150d | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150d | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Deep Brown / Black) | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
300 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI for caramel colors) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cola soft drinks, dark beers/stouts, gravies, pet foods, soy sauce | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Sugar/syrup base), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (Strictly controlled 4-MEI limits) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
Isoelectric Point & Charge
|
Strong negative colloidal charge (pH 0.5–2.0) preventing precipitation in acid sodas | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High tinctorial power melanoidin polymers soluble and stable in carbonated phosphoric acid matrix | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |