Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
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.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA) | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
INS / E-Number
|
INS 250 / E250 | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol) | — |
|
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 | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
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