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

E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)

Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)
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 →
E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) →

E950 (Acesulfame K / Ace-K) is a calorie-free, heat-stable synthetic potassium salt sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. INS 950, ADI is 9 mg/kg bw/day, famous for blending with sucralose and aspartame to produce sugar-identical taste curves.

View full E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

11 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)
E-Number Code
E338 E950
INS / Codex Number
INS 338 INS 950
Functional Class
Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus) 9 mg / kg body weight per day
Primary Mechanism
Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth High-affinity agonist for T1R2 + T1R3 sweet taste receptor dimer
Common Target Foods
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks Diet sodas (Coke Zero), sugar-free energy drinks, baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.800)
Chemical Formula
H3PO4 (pKa1 2.15) —
Relative Sweetness Index
— 200x Sucrose
Caloric Value
— 0.0 kcal / g (Excreted unchanged by kidneys) kcal/g

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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. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → 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. 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) →