E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
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.
E500 (Sodium Carbonates / Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO3) is a mineral salt leavening agent and pH buffer. INS 500(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing under heat and acid to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that expand cakes, cookies, and pretzel crusts.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E334 | E500 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 334 | INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate) |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants | Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking |
|
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) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) | NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda | Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment | Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736) |