E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener)
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
E224 (Potassium Metabisulfite / K2S2O5) is a white crystalline powder releasing 57.6% sulfur dioxide by weight when dissolved in acidic liquids. INS 224, ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day, the premier sanitizing and stabilizing agent in commercial winemaking.
Xanthan gum (E415) is a high-molecular-weight microbial exopolysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris fermentation, renowned for extreme pseudoplastic shear-thinning rheology, freeze-thaw stability, and gluten-free dough structural binding.
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E224 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 224 | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative, Antioxidant, Sanitizer | — |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
K2S2O5 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Releases free SO2 and potassium ions, neutralizing wild yeasts and preventing enzymatic must oxidation | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Grape must, commercial wines, ciders, lemon juice concentrates, dried fruit processing | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher (Allergen labeling required) | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3637) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 415 / E415 |
|
Polymer Structure
|
— | Cellulose β-(1,4)-D-glucan backbone with trisaccharide side chains (mannose-glucuronic acid-mannose) |
|
Molecular Weight
|
— | 2.0 × 10⁶ to 5.0 × 10⁶ Da (2–5 MDa) |
|
Rheological Behavior
|
— | Extreme Pseudoplasticity (Shear-thinning index n ≈ 0.15–0.25) |
|
Yield Stress
|
— | High at rest (suspends dense particulates like herbs in salad dressing permanently) |
|
Thermal Stability
|
— | Maintains constant viscosity from 0°C to 100°C across pH 2.0 to 12.0 |
|
Synergistic Gelation
|
— | Forms thermo-reversible firm gels when blended with Locust Bean Gum (E410) or Guar Gum (E412) |