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

E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber)

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

Comparing:
E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)
E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber)

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 →

E440 (Pectin) is a complex heteropolysaccharide rich in alpha-(1->4)-linked D-galacturonic acid extracted from citrus peels and apple pomace. INS 440, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the global gold standard gelling agent for jams, jellies, and fruit spreads.

View full E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E200 E440
INS / Codex Number
INS 200 INS 440(i) / 440(ii)
Functional Class
Preservative (Antifungal, Antimicrobial) Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer, Soluble Fiber
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Un-dissociated acid penetrates mold/yeast cell membranes, inhibiting enolase and dehydrogenase enzymes HM forms junction zones with sugar (Brix > 55%) + acid (pH < 3.5); LM gels with calcium ions (Ca2+)
Common Target Foods
Cheese wraps, baked pastries, dried fruits, fermented pickles, wine stabilization Fruit jams, marmalades, gummy confectionery, fruit preparations for yogurt, glazes
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Chemical synthesis), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Citrus peel/apple extraction), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3089) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1588)
Chemical Formula
C6H8O2
Primary Classes
High Methoxyl Pectin (HM, DE > 50%), Low Methoxyl Pectin (LM, DE < 50%)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →