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

E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)

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

Comparing:
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)

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 →

E224 (Potassium Metabisulfite / K2S2O5) is a white crystalline powder releasing 57.6% sulfur dioxide by weight when dissolved in acidic liquids. INS 224, ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day, the premier sanitizing and stabilizing agent in commercial winemaking.

View full E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E162 E224
INS / Codex Number
INS 162 INS 224
Functional Class
Food Color (Red-Purple) Preservative, Antioxidant, Sanitizer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) 0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent)
Chemical Formula
C24H26N2O13 (Betanin glucoside) K2S2O5
Primary Mechanism
Betanidin glycoside absorbing green light (535–538nm) to reflect intense magenta-red Releases free SO2 and potassium ions, neutralizing wild yeasts and preventing enzymatic must oxidation
Common Target Foods
Strawberry yogurt, berry ice creams, confectionery, fruit preparations Grape must, commercial wines, ciders, lemon juice concentrates, dried fruit processing
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Beetroot juice extract), Halal, Kosher Vegan, Halal, Kosher (Allergen labeling required)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.40) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3637)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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