E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 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.
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
|
E163 | E170 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 163(i)–(v) | INS 170(i) |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Red, Purple, Blue) | Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (as anthocyanins) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Flavylium cation red at pH 1–3, converting to blue quinoidal base at neutral/alkaline pH | High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Red fruit beverages, sports drinks, jams, jellies, wine gums | Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Fruit/Vegetable extraction), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.170 | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) |
|
Key Flavylium Cations
|
Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Peonidin, Petunidin | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | CaCO3 |