E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
E150d (Class IV Caramel) is prepared by heating carbohydrates with both sulfite and ammonium compounds, creating an intensely dark, negatively charged colloid. INS 150d, group ADI is 300 mg/kg bw/day, the global color standard in cola soft drinks.
E170 (Calcium Carbonate / CaCO3) is a fine mineral salt mined from limestone or precipitated synthetically. INS 170(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a white surface colorant, acidity buffer, anti-caking agent, and calcium nutrient fortificant.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E150d | E170 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150d | INS 170(i) |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Deep Brown / Black) | Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
300 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI for caramel colors) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High tinctorial power melanoidin polymers soluble and stable in carbonated phosphoric acid matrix | High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cola soft drinks, dark beers/stouts, gravies, pet foods, soy sauce | Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Sugar/syrup base), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (Strictly controlled 4-MEI limits) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) |
|
Isoelectric Point & Charge
|
Strong negative colloidal charge (pH 0.5–2.0) preventing precipitation in acid sodas | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | CaCO3 |