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

E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

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

Comparing:
E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese 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 →

E509 (Calcium Chloride / CaCl2) is an inorganic calcium mineral salt. INS 509, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a crucial firming agent in canned tomatoes, tofu coagulant, and rennet coagulation restorer in pasteurized milk cheese making.

View full E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E162 E509
INS / Codex Number
INS 162 INS 509
Functional Class
Food Color (Red-Purple) Firming Agent, Coagulant, Sequestrant, Electrolyte
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C24H26N2O13 (Betanin glucoside) CaCl2
Primary Mechanism
Betanidin glycoside absorbing green light (535–538nm) to reflect intense magenta-red Divalent Ca2+ ions cross-link pectin galacturonan chains in plant cell walls and bridge casein micelles in milk
Common Target Foods
Strawberry yogurt, berry ice creams, confectionery, fruit preparations Canned whole peeled tomatoes (prevents mushiness), pasteurized cheese vats, soy tofu coagulation, sports pickles
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Beetroot juice extract), Halal, Kosher Vegan (Natural brine/limestone salt), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.40) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1193)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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