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

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier)

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

Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier)

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.

View full E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) spec sheet →

E414 (Gum Arabic / Acacia Gum) is a complex arabinogalactan-protein glycoprotein exudate harvested from Acacia senegal trees. INS 414, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the premier film-forming emulsifier for citrus beverage flavor oils.

View full E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E202 E414
INS / Codex Number
INS 202 INS 414
Functional Class
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Encapsulating Agent, Prebiotic Fiber
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells Amphiphilic glycoprotein anchors hydrophobic oil droplets while polysaccharide branches project into water, preventing coalescence
Common Target Foods
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing Citrus soft drinks (Suspends essential oils), gummy candies, confectionery pan coatings, flavor spray drying
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified 100% Vegan (Wild Acacia tree gum), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1330)
Chemical Formula
C6H7KO2
Chemical Structure
Arabinogalactan core covalently linked to hydroxyproline-rich peptide chains (~2% protein)

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