# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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.

View full E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) spec sheet →

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

14 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
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
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)
E-Number Code
E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 471
Functional Class
Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)
Primary Mechanism
Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)

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