Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
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.
E334 (L(+)-Tartaric Acid) is a dicarboxylic organic acid recovered as potassium bitartrate by-product from wine barrels. INS 334, ADI has historically been set at up to 20 mg/kg bw/day by JECFA, delivering a sharp, lingering tartness in candies, soft drinks, and baking powders.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E330 | E334 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 330 | INS 334 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Historically up to 20 mg / kg body weight per day (JECFA: 0–6 mg/kg unconditional + 6–20 mg/kg conditional acceptance) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) | C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation | Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks | Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) |
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