Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E202 (Potassium Sorbate) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, offering 58% water solubility at room temperature. INS 202, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day, widely utilized in beverages, syrups, and cosmetics to block yeast fermentation.
L-Ascorbic Acid (E300, C6H8O6) is a water-soluble antioxidant, dough conditioner, and vitamin fortifier that scavenges dissolved oxygen, prevents fruit enzymatic browning, and cross-links wheat gluten disulfide bridges in commercial baking.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 182.3013) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H7KO2 | C₆H₈O₆ (Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E202 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 202 | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 300 / E300 |
|
Functional Classes
|
— | Antioxidant / Flour Treatment Agent / Sequestrant / Nutrient Supplement |
|
Solubility
|
— | 330 g/L in water at 20°C |
|
Redox Potential
|
— | +0.06 V at pH 7.0 (readily donates two electrons to dehydroascorbic acid) |
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