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

E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber)

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

Comparing:
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber)

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.

View full E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) spec sheet →

E440 (Pectin) is a complex heteropolysaccharide rich in alpha-(1->4)-linked D-galacturonic acid extracted from citrus peels and apple pomace. INS 440, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the global gold standard gelling agent for jams, jellies, and fruit spreads.

View full E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E334 E440
INS / Codex Number
INS 334 INS 440(i) / 440(ii)
Functional Class
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer, Soluble Fiber
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Historically up to 20 mg / kg body weight per day (JECFA: 0–6 mg/kg unconditional + 6–20 mg/kg conditional acceptance) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda HM forms junction zones with sugar (Brix > 55%) + acid (pH < 3.5); LM gels with calcium ions (Ca2+)
Common Target Foods
Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment Fruit jams, marmalades, gummy confectionery, fruit preparations for yogurt, glazes
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Citrus peel/apple extraction), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1588)
Chemical Formula
C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid)
Primary Classes
High Methoxyl Pectin (HM, DE > 50%), Low Methoxyl Pectin (LM, DE < 50%)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Baking Acidulant) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E951: 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