Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
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.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E334 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 334 | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
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 Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |
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