E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
E150d (Class IV Caramel) is prepared by heating carbohydrates with both sulfite and ammonium compounds, creating an intensely dark, negatively charged colloid. INS 150d, group ADI is 300 mg/kg bw/day, the global color standard in cola soft drinks.
Lecithin (E322) is a complex mixture of zwitterionic polar phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol) derived from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolks, functioning as an amphiphilic oil-in-water surfactant and chocolate viscosity reducer.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
300 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI for caramel colors) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 184.1400) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E150d | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150d | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Deep Brown / Black) | — |
|
Isoelectric Point & Charge
|
Strong negative colloidal charge (pH 0.5–2.0) preventing precipitation in acid sodas | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High tinctorial power melanoidin polymers soluble and stable in carbonated phosphoric acid matrix | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cola soft drinks, dark beers/stouts, gravies, pet foods, soy sauce | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Sugar/syrup base), Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (Strictly controlled 4-MEI limits) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 322i (Lecithin) / INS 322ii (Partially Hydrolyzed) |
|
Primary Phospholipid Composition
|
— | 19–21% Phosphatidylcholine (PC), 8–20% PE, 10–15% PI |
|
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
|
— | HLB 4.0–6.0 (Standard unbleached) / HLB 8.0–10.0 (Enzymatically modified lyso-lecithin) |
|
Acetone-Insoluble Matter
|
— | ≥ 60.0% (standard benchmark of active phospholipid content) |
|
Major Sources
|
— | Soybean (Glycine max), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus - non-GMO / allergen-free), Rapeseed, Egg yolk |