E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, highly soluble and active against yeasts and bacteria in acidic environments (pH < 4.5). INS 211, group ADI is 5 mg/kg bw/day, the standard antimicrobial in carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices.
Lecithin (E322) is a complex mixture of zwitterionic polar phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol) derived from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolks, functioning as an amphiphilic oil-in-water surfactant and chocolate viscosity reducer.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 184.1400) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E211 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 211 | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C7H5NaO2 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 322i (Lecithin) / INS 322ii (Partially Hydrolyzed) |
|
Primary Phospholipid Composition
|
— | 19–21% Phosphatidylcholine (PC), 8–20% PE, 10–15% PI |
|
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
|
— | HLB 4.0–6.0 (Standard unbleached) / HLB 8.0–10.0 (Enzymatically modified lyso-lecithin) |
|
Acetone-Insoluble Matter
|
— | ≥ 60.0% (standard benchmark of active phospholipid content) |
|
Major Sources
|
— | Soybean (Glycine max), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus - non-GMO / allergen-free), Rapeseed, Egg yolk |