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

E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
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 →
E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) →

E460 (Microcrystalline Cellulose / MCC) is purified, depolymerized wood pulp cellulose prepared by acid hydrolysis. INS 460(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), functioning as a zero-calorie bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and fat mimetic in low-calorie foods.

View full E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
E-Number Code
E338 E460
INS / Codex Number
INS 338 INS 460(i)
Functional Class
Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt Bulking Agent, Anti-Caking Agent, Stabilizer, Fat Replacer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
H3PO4 (pKa1 2.15) (C6H10O5)n (Insoluble linear beta-1,4-glucan polymer)
Primary Mechanism
Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth Crystalline cellulose micro-particles mimic creamy lipid mouthfeel without calories; prevents powder agglomeration
Common Target Foods
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks Shredded cheeses (Prevents clumping), low-fat dressings, dietary supplement tablets, diet foods
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Plant wood pulp), Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1323)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E338: Phosphoric 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Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →