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.
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.
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.
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) |