Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver)
E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
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.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 182.3013) | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
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
|
— | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
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