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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
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 →
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) →

E162 (Beetroot Red / Betanin) is a water-soluble red-purple betacyanin pigment pressed or extracted from red beets (Beta vulgaris). INS 162, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used in dairy, ice creams, and sausages.

View full E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
E-Number Code
E101 E162
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 162
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Food Color (Red-Purple)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 C24H26N2O13 (Betanin glucoside)
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Betanidin glycoside absorbing green light (535–538nm) to reflect intense magenta-red
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Strawberry yogurt, berry ice creams, confectionery, fruit preparations
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Beetroot juice extract), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.40)

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