Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
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.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E270 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 270 | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Agent | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Yogurt, sourdough breads, sour ales (Berliner Weisse), olives, confectionery, carcass rinses | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Bacterial fermentation of beet/corn sugar), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1061) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C3H6O3 (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, pKa 3.86) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Provides sustained buffering and mild tartness while suppressing spore-forming spoilage bacteria | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |
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