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

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist)

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

Comparing:

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist)

Highlight Diffs (9)

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 →

E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) →

E627 (Disodium 5'-Guanylate / GMP) is the sodium salt of guanylic acid, a purine nucleotide naturally concentrated in dried shiitake mushrooms. INS 627, ADI is Not Specified, exhibiting massive 8x–30x synergistic umami amplification when paired with MSG.

View full E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)	E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist)
E-Number Code	E160a	E627
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)	INS 627
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant	Flavor Enhancer (Purine Nucleotide Umami Synergist)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	C40H56	C10H12N5Na2O8P · xH2O
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)	Binds allosteric site on T1R1/T1R3 umami receptor, locking glutamate into the orthosteric binding pocket
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries	Savory snack seasonings (Doritos, chips), instant ramen noodle seasoning packets, bouillon cubes
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified	Vegan (Microbial fermentation of tapioca/sugar), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.530)

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Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E471: 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