Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)
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.
E501 (Potassium Carbonates / K2CO3) is an inorganic alkaline mineral salt. INS 501(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used as the key 'Kansui' alkaline agent in Japanese ramen noodles and in the Dutch processing of cocoa powder.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E334 | E501 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 334 | INS 501(i) (Potassium Carbonate) |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants | Acidity Regulator, Alkaline Leavening, Kansui Salt |
|
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) | K2CO3 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda | Alkalinizes noodle dough (pH 9–11), tightening glutenin network and converting flavonoid pigments yellow |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment | Ramen noodles (Kansui), Dutch-process alkalized cocoa powder, gingerbread leavening |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Mineral salt), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1619) |
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