# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin)
E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)

E160c (Paprika Extract / Oleoresin) is a natural lipid-soluble red-orange colorant extracted from dried red peppers (Capsicum annuum). INS 160c, ADI is 24 mg/kg bw/day, delivering rich reddish coloration to processed meats, seasonings, and dressings without spiciness.

View full E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) spec sheet →

E200 (Sorbic Acid / 2,4-hexadienoic acid) is an unsaturated organic carboxylic acid preservative with broad antifungal and antimold activity. INS 200, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day (expressed as sorbic acid), active across acidic and neutral pH up to 6.5.

View full E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E160c E200
INS / Codex Number
INS 160c INS 200
Functional Class
Food Color (Red-Orange) Preservative (Antifungal, Antimicrobial)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
24 mg / kg body weight per day 11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid)
Primary Mechanism
Keto-carotenoid chromophores imparting heat-stable red color (capsaicin heat is removed) Un-dissociated acid penetrates mold/yeast cell membranes, inhibiting enolase and dehydrogenase enzymes
Common Target Foods
Chorizo, hot dog casings, marinades, snack seasonings, cheese dips Cheese wraps, baked pastries, dried fruits, fermented pickles, wine stabilization
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Red pepper solvent extract), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Chemical synthesis), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.345 EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3089)
Key Chromophores
Capsanthin (C40H56O3) and Capsorubin (C40H56O4)
Chemical Formula
C6H8O2

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →