Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
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.
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin) is a sweet, viscous trihydroxy alcohol (polyol) obtained via lipid hydrolysis. INS 422, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), acting as an essential humectant, moisture retainer, and freeze-point depressant in baked goods and icings.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E162 | E422 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 162 | INS 422 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Red-Purple) | Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C24H26N2O13 (Betanin glucoside) | C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Betanidin glycoside absorbing green light (535–538nm) to reflect intense magenta-red | Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Strawberry yogurt, berry ice creams, confectionery, fruit preparations | Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Beetroot juice extract), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.40) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) |
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