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

E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

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

Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
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 →
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) →

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.

View full E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
E-Number Code
E338 E500
INS / Codex Number
INS 338 INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate)
Functional Class
Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking
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) NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate)
Primary Mechanism
Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2
Common Target Foods
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → 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 Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming 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) →