E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
E163 (Anthocyanins) are natural water-soluble flavonoid polyphenol pigments extracted from grape skins, elderberries, and black carrots. INS 163, ADI is 2.5 mg/kg bw/day (grape skin extract), exhibiting pH-dependent colors from red to blue.
E951 (Aspartame) is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide yielding ~200x the sweetness of sucrose. INS 951, ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day, the historic sweetener in Diet Coke and tabletop sweetener packets.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E163 | E951 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 163(i)–(v) | INS 951 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Red, Purple, Blue) | High-Intensity Artificial Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (as anthocyanins) | 40 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 50 mg/kg) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Flavylium cation red at pH 1–3, converting to blue quinoidal base at neutral/alkaline pH | Stimulates T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors with clean, sugar-like taste profile |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Red fruit beverages, sports drinks, jams, jellies, wine gums | Diet sodas, tabletop sweetener packets (Equal), sugar-free gelatin desserts, drink mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Fruit/Vegetable extraction), Halal, Kosher | Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Contains Phenylalanine (Warning for PKU patients mandatory) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.170 | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.804) |
|
Key Flavylium Cations
|
Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Peonidin, Petunidin | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 4.0 kcal / g (Negligible at use levels / ~0.1 kcal per serving) kcal/g |