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

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)

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

Comparing:
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) →

E150a (Class I / Plain Caramel) is produced by controlled thermal heating of food carbohydrates without ammonium or sulfite compounds. INS 150a, ADI is Not Specified, yielding a warm brown-amber color in spirits, whiskey, and vinegars.

View full E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) spec sheet →
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) →

E338 (Phosphoric Acid / H3PO4) is a mineral inorganic acid providing a uniquely dry, tangy, astringent sourness. INS 338, group ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus), the quintessential acidulant in cola beverages and processed cheeses.

View full E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E-Number Code
E150a E338
INS / Codex Number
INS 150a INS 338
Functional Class
Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class) 40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus)
Primary Mechanism
Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth
Common Target Foods
Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073)
Chemical Class
Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins —
Chemical Formula
— H3PO4 (pKa1 2.15)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Color) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →