E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
E306 is a natural mixture of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols steam-distilled from vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower). INS 306, ADI is Not Limited, serving as the gold standard lipid-soluble antioxidant in fats and oils.
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin) is a sweet, viscous trihydroxy alcohol (polyol) obtained via lipid hydrolysis. INS 422, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), acting as an essential humectant, moisture retainer, and freeze-point depressant in baked goods and icings.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E306 | E422 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 306 | INS 422 |
|
Functional Class
|
Antioxidant (Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitor) | Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Free-radical scavenger donating phenolic hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals (ROO•), breaking lipid auto-oxidation chain | Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Vegetable cooking oils, margarines, infant formula, fish oil capsules, potato crisps | Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Plant oil distillate), Halal, Kosher Certified | Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1890) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) |
|
Active Isomers
|
d-Gamma-Tocopherol, d-Delta-Tocopherol, d-Alpha-Tocopherol | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol) |