Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
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.
E330 (Citric Acid) is a tricarboxylic organic acid produced by industrial fermentation of Aspergillus niger on carbohydrate substrates. INS 330, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the single most widely used acidulant, flavor enhancer, and metal chelator on Earth.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Formula
|
C₆H₈O₆ (Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol) | C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 182.3013) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
INS / E-Number
|
INS 300 / E300 | — |
|
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) | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E330 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 330 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) |
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