Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
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.
E500 (Sodium Carbonates / Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO3) is a mineral salt leavening agent and pH buffer. INS 500(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing under heat and acid to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that expand cakes, cookies, and pretzel crusts.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Formula
|
C₆H₈O₆ (Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol) | NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) |
|
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
|
— | E500 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate) |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736) |
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