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

E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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 →

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E162 E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 162 INS 471
Functional Class
Food Color (Red-Purple) Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Betanidin glycoside absorbing green light (535–538nm) to reflect intense magenta-red Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Strawberry yogurt, berry ice creams, confectionery, fruit preparations Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Beetroot juice extract), Halal, Kosher Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.40) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)
Chemical Formula
C24H26N2O13 (Betanin glucoside)
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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