Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
E270 (L-Lactic Acid) is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus). INS 270, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), imparting a smooth, mild sour taste in dairy, beers, and bakery sourdoughs.
E334 (L(+)-Tartaric Acid) is a dicarboxylic organic acid recovered as potassium bitartrate by-product from wine barrels. INS 334, ADI has historically been set at up to 20 mg/kg bw/day by JECFA, delivering a sharp, lingering tartness in candies, soft drinks, and baking powders.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E270 | E334 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 270 | INS 334 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Agent | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Historically up to 20 mg / kg body weight per day (JECFA: 0–6 mg/kg unconditional + 6–20 mg/kg conditional acceptance) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C3H6O3 (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, pKa 3.86) | C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Provides sustained buffering and mild tartness while suppressing spore-forming spoilage bacteria | Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Yogurt, sourdough breads, sour ales (Berliner Weisse), olives, confectionery, carcass rinses | Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Bacterial fermentation of beet/corn sugar), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1061) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) |
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