# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier)

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.

View full E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) spec sheet →

E414 (Gum Arabic / Acacia Gum) is a complex arabinogalactan-protein glycoprotein exudate harvested from Acacia senegal trees. INS 414, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the premier film-forming emulsifier for citrus beverage flavor oils.

View full E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E330 E414
INS / Codex Number
INS 330 INS 414
Functional Class
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Encapsulating Agent, Prebiotic Fiber
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation Amphiphilic glycoprotein anchors hydrophobic oil droplets while polysaccharide branches project into water, preventing coalescence
Common Target Foods
Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks Citrus soft drinks (Suspends essential oils), gummy candies, confectionery pan coatings, flavor spray drying
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Wild Acacia tree gum), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1330)
Chemical Formula
C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid)
Chemical Structure
Arabinogalactan core covalently linked to hydroxyproline-rich peptide chains (~2% protein)

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E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →