E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
E282 (Calcium Propionate) is the calcium salt of propionic acid, the premier mold and 'rope' bacteria inhibitor in industrial yeast-leavened bakery goods. INS 282, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), preserving sliced bread for weeks without retarding yeast activity.
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
|
E282 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 282 | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Bakery Anti-Mold & Anti-Rope) | 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
|
Commercial sliced white/wheat bread, hamburger buns, tortillas, pita bread | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1221) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
Ca(C3H5O2)2 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Propionate ion disrupts membrane transport in Penicillium molds and Bacillus mesentericus (rope 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) |