Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
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.
E406 (Agar-Agar) is a natural sulfated galactan polysaccharide hydrocolloid extracted from red algae seaweeds (Rhodophyta). INS 406, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), forming firm, brittle thermoreversible gels with huge hysteresis (melts at 85°C, sets at 35°C).
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E211 | E406 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 211 | INS 406 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) | Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes | Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce | Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C7H5NaO2 | — |
|
Chemical Components
|
— | Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer) |
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