E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
E290 (Carbon Dioxide / CO2) is an authorized food additive functioning as a carbonating gas, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) preservative, and cryogenic freezing propellant. INS 290, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis).
E306 is a natural mixture of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols steam-distilled from vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower). INS 306, ADI is Not Limited, serving as the gold standard lipid-soluble antioxidant in fats and oils.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E290 | E306 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 290 | INS 306 |
|
Functional Class
|
Carbonating Gas, Packaging Gas, Preservative, Propellant | Antioxidant (Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitor) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Dissolves in water forming carbonic acid (H2CO3) for effervescence; displaces O2 in packaging to block aerobic mold growth | Free-radical scavenger donating phenolic hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals (ROO•), breaking lipid auto-oxidation chain |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, champagne, MAP bagged salads, fresh meats | Vegetable cooking oils, margarines, infant formula, fish oil capsules, potato crisps |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Plant oil distillate), Halal, Kosher Certified |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1240) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1890) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CO2 | — |
|
Active Isomers
|
— | d-Gamma-Tocopherol, d-Delta-Tocopherol, d-Alpha-Tocopherol |