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

E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)

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 →

E170 (Calcium Carbonate / CaCO3) is a fine mineral salt mined from limestone or precipitated synthetically. INS 170(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a white surface colorant, acidity buffer, anti-caking agent, and calcium nutrient fortificant.

View full E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E162 E170
INS / Codex Number
INS 162 INS 170(i)
Functional Class
Food Color (Red-Purple) Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C24H26N2O13 (Betanin glucoside) CaCO3
Primary Mechanism
Betanidin glycoside absorbing green light (535–538nm) to reflect intense magenta-red High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2
Common Target Foods
Strawberry yogurt, berry ice creams, confectionery, fruit preparations Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Beetroot juice extract), Halal, Kosher Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.40) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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