Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid)
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.
E407 (Carrageenan) is a high-molecular-weight sulfated polygalactan extracted from red edible seaweeds (Chondrus crispus / Irish Moss). INS 407, ADI is 75 mg/kg bw/day, famed for stabilizing cocoa suspension in chocolate milk via kappa-casein binding.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E330 | E407 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 330 | INS 407 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist | Thickener, Gelling Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 75 mg / kg body weight per day |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation | Negative sulfate esters cross-link with positive charges on milk kappa-casein micelles |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks | Chocolate milks, whipping creams, plant-based milks, deli turkey meats (water binding) |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Marine seaweed), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.620) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) | — |
|
Major Types
|
— | Kappa (Rigid brittle gel), Iota (Elastic thixotropic gel), Lambda (Non-gelling thickener) |
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