Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas)
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E290 (Carbon Dioxide / CO2) is an authorized food additive functioning as a carbonating gas, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) preservative, and cryogenic freezing propellant. INS 290, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis).
E330 (Citric Acid) is a tricarboxylic organic acid produced by industrial fermentation of Aspergillus niger on carbohydrate substrates. INS 330, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the single most widely used acidulant, flavor enhancer, and metal chelator on Earth.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E290 | E330 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 290 | INS 330 |
|
Functional Class
|
Carbonating Gas, Packaging Gas, Preservative, Propellant | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CO2 | C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Dissolves in water forming carbonic acid (H2CO3) for effervescence; displaces O2 in packaging to block aerobic mold growth | Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, champagne, MAP bagged salads, fresh meats | Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1240) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) |
Other Alternatives to Compare
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) →
Compare E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →