Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
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.
E334 (L(+)-Tartaric Acid) is a dicarboxylic organic acid recovered as potassium bitartrate by-product from wine barrels. INS 334, ADI has historically been set at up to 20 mg/kg bw/day by JECFA, delivering a sharp, lingering tartness in candies, soft drinks, and baking powders.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Formula
|
C₆H₈O₆ (Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol) | C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 182.3013) | Historically up to 20 mg / kg body weight per day (JECFA: 0–6 mg/kg unconditional + 6–20 mg/kg conditional acceptance) |
|
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
|
— | E334 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 334 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) |
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