Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
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.
E951 (Aspartame) is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide yielding ~200x the sweetness of sucrose. INS 951, ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day, the historic sweetener in Diet Coke and tabletop sweetener packets.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E330 | E951 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 330 | INS 951 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist | High-Intensity Artificial Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 40 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 50 mg/kg) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation | Stimulates T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors with clean, sugar-like taste profile |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks | Diet sodas, tabletop sweetener packets (Equal), sugar-free gelatin desserts, drink mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher | Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Contains Phenylalanine (Warning for PKU patients mandatory) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.804) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 4.0 kcal / g (Negligible at use levels / ~0.1 kcal per serving) kcal/g |
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