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

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend)

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

Comparing:
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend)

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 →

E635 (I+G) is a standardized 50/50 co-crystallized blend of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). INS 635, ADI is Not Specified, serving as the commercial standard umami booster in global food manufacturing.

View full E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E160a E635
INS / Codex Number
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) INS 635
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant Flavor Enhancer (Standard 50/50 IMP + GMP Umami Blend)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) Not Specified (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) Maximum simultaneous allosteric sensitization of oral T1R1+T1R3 umami receptor sites
Common Target Foods
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries Flavored potato chips, instant noodles, dry soup mixes, processed meats, barbecue sauces
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified Vegan (Bacterial sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS
Chemical Formula
C40H56
Composition
50% Disodium Inosinate (E631) + 50% Disodium Guanylate (E627)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E406: 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: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →