E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
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.
E951 (Aspartame) is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide yielding ~200x the sweetness of sucrose. INS 951, ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day, the historic sweetener in Diet Coke and tabletop sweetener packets.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E200 | E951 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 200 | INS 951 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antifungal, Antimicrobial) | High-Intensity Artificial Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid) | 40 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 50 mg/kg) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Un-dissociated acid penetrates mold/yeast cell membranes, inhibiting enolase and dehydrogenase enzymes | Stimulates T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors with clean, sugar-like taste profile |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cheese wraps, baked pastries, dried fruits, fermented pickles, wine stabilization | Diet sodas, tabletop sweetener packets (Equal), sugar-free gelatin desserts, drink mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Chemical synthesis), Halal, Kosher | Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Contains Phenylalanine (Warning for PKU patients mandatory) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3089) | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.804) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H8O2 | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 4.0 kcal / g (Negligible at use levels / ~0.1 kcal per serving) kcal/g |