Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
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.
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
|
E211 | E951 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 211 | INS 951 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) | High-Intensity Artificial Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) | 40 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 50 mg/kg) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes | Stimulates T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors with clean, sugar-like taste profile |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce | Diet sodas, tabletop sweetener packets (Equal), sugar-free gelatin desserts, drink mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher | Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Contains Phenylalanine (Warning for PKU patients mandatory) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.804) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C7H5NaO2 | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 4.0 kcal / g (Negligible at use levels / ~0.1 kcal per serving) kcal/g |
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