Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E150a (Class I / Plain Caramel) is produced by controlled thermal heating of food carbohydrates without ammonium or sulfite compounds. INS 150a, ADI is Not Specified, yielding a warm brown-amber color in spirits, whiskey, and vinegars.
L-Ascorbic Acid (E300, C6H8O6) is a water-soluble antioxidant, dough conditioner, and vitamin fortifier that scavenges dissolved oxygen, prevents fruit enzymatic browning, and cross-links wheat gluten disulfide bridges in commercial baking.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 182.3013) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E150a | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150a | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring | — |
|
Chemical Class
|
Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 300 / E300 |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C₆H₈O₆ (Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol) |
|
Functional Classes
|
— | Antioxidant / Flour Treatment Agent / Sequestrant / Nutrient Supplement |
|
Solubility
|
— | 330 g/L in water at 20°C |
|
Redox Potential
|
— | +0.06 V at pH 7.0 (readily donates two electrons to dehydroascorbic acid) |
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