Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
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.
E338 (Phosphoric Acid / H3PO4) is a mineral inorganic acid providing a uniquely dry, tangy, astringent sourness. INS 338, group ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus), the quintessential acidulant in cola beverages and processed cheeses.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 184.1400) | 40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus) |
|
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 | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E338 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 338 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | H3PO4 (pKa1 2.15) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) |
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