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

E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener)

Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin)
E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener)

E160c (Paprika Extract / Oleoresin) is a natural lipid-soluble red-orange colorant extracted from dried red peppers (Capsicum annuum). INS 160c, ADI is 24 mg/kg bw/day, delivering rich reddish coloration to processed meats, seasonings, and dressings without spiciness.

View full E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) spec sheet →

Xanthan gum (E415) is a high-molecular-weight microbial exopolysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris fermentation, renowned for extreme pseudoplastic shear-thinning rheology, freeze-thaw stability, and gluten-free dough structural binding.

View full E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

16 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E160c
INS / Codex Number
INS 160c
Functional Class
Food Color (Red-Orange)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
24 mg / kg body weight per day
Key Chromophores
Capsanthin (C40H56O3) and Capsorubin (C40H56O4)
Primary Mechanism
Keto-carotenoid chromophores imparting heat-stable red color (capsaicin heat is removed)
Common Target Foods
Chorizo, hot dog casings, marinades, snack seasonings, cheese dips
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Red pepper solvent extract), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.345
INS / E-Number
INS 415 / E415
Polymer Structure
Cellulose β-(1,4)-D-glucan backbone with trisaccharide side chains (mannose-glucuronic acid-mannose)
Molecular Weight
2.0 × 10⁶ to 5.0 × 10⁶ Da (2–5 MDa)
Rheological Behavior
Extreme Pseudoplasticity (Shear-thinning index n ≈ 0.15–0.25)
Yield Stress
High at rest (suspends dense particulates like herbs in salad dressing permanently)
Thermal Stability
Maintains constant viscosity from 0°C to 100°C across pH 2.0 to 12.0
Synergistic Gelation
Forms thermo-reversible firm gels when blended with Locust Bean Gum (E410) or Guar Gum (E412)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →