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

E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)

Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color)
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)

E140 (Chlorophyll) is the natural magnesium-porphyrin green pigment extracted from grass, alfalfa, and nettles. INS 140(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), utilized to restore vibrant botanical green color to confectionery, oils, and pasta.

View full E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) spec sheet →

Sodium nitrite (E250, NaNO2) is an inorganic salt used in cured charcuterie, bacon, and processed meats to inhibit Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin germination, fix cured pink nitrosyl-myoglobin color, and retard lipid autoxidation.

View full E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

12 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Functional Class
Food Color (Green) Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) 0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA)
Chemical Formula
C55H72MgN4O5 (Chlorophyll a) NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol)
E-Number Code
E140
INS / Codex Number
INS 140(i)
Primary Mechanism
Light absorption in red (660nm) and blue (430nm) spectra, reflecting vibrant botanical green
Common Target Foods
Pesto, spinach pasta, mint confectionery, olive oil blends, liqueurs
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Plant solvent extraction), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.125
INS / E-Number
INS 250 / E250
USDA Maximum Residual Level
156 ppm in cured meat / 200 ppm in dry cured ham / 120 ppm in bacon with ascorbate
Botulism Inhibition Threshold
Inhibits Clostridium botulinum spore outgrowth at ≥50–100 mg/kg in presence of NaCl

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →