Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple)
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.
E163 (Anthocyanins) are natural water-soluble flavonoid polyphenol pigments extracted from grape skins, elderberries, and black carrots. INS 163, ADI is 2.5 mg/kg bw/day (grape skin extract), exhibiting pH-dependent colors from red to blue.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E160a | E163 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) | INS 163(i)–(v) |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant | Food Color (Red, Purple, Blue) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) | 2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (as anthocyanins) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) | Flavylium cation red at pH 1–3, converting to blue quinoidal base at neutral/alkaline pH |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries | Red fruit beverages, sports drinks, jams, jellies, wine gums |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified | 100% Vegan (Fruit/Vegetable extraction), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) | EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.170 |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C40H56 | — |
|
Key Flavylium Cations
|
— | Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Peonidin, Petunidin |
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