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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
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 →
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) →

E160a (Beta-Carotene) is a fat-soluble orange carotenoid tetraterpenoid obtained by synthesis, fermentation of Blakeslea trispora, or plant extraction. INS 160a(i)/(ii), ADI is Not Specified, providing deep orange-yellow hues in dairy, juices, and fats.

View full E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E-Number Code
E101 E160a
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 C40H56
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) 11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)

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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 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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 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