Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
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.
E270 (L-Lactic Acid) is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus). INS 270, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), imparting a smooth, mild sour taste in dairy, beers, and bakery sourdoughs.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E170 | E270 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 170(i) | INS 270 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient | Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Agent |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CaCO3 | C3H6O3 (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, pKa 3.86) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 | Provides sustained buffering and mild tartness while suppressing spore-forming spoilage bacteria |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets | Yogurt, sourdough breads, sour ales (Berliner Weisse), olives, confectionery, carcass rinses |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Bacterial fermentation of beet/corn sugar), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1061) |
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