E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 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.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E163 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 163(i)–(v) | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Red, Purple, Blue) | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (as anthocyanins) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Red fruit beverages, sports drinks, jams, jellies, wine gums | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Fruit/Vegetable extraction), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.170 | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
Key Flavylium Cations
|
Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Peonidin, Petunidin | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Flavylium cation red at pH 1–3, converting to blue quinoidal base at neutral/alkaline pH | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |