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

E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener)

Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable 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 →
E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) →

E955 (Sucralose) is a chlorinated disaccharide synthesized by selective chlorination of sucrose (replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms). INS 955, ADI is 15 mg/kg bw/day, providing 600x sugar sweetness with zero calories and full heat stability for baking.

View full E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

12 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener)
E-Number Code
E338 E955
INS / Codex Number
INS 338 INS 955
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) 15 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 5 mg/kg)
Common Target Foods
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks Protein powders, baked keto goods, sugar-free syrups, beverages, Splenda packets
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 172.831)
Chemical Formula
H3PO4 (pKa1 2.15) —
Primary Mechanism
Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth —
Relative Sweetness Index
— 600x Sucrose
Caloric Value
— 0.0 kcal / g (Not recognized by digestive enzymes; 85% excreted unabsorbed) kcal/g
Thermal Stability
— Thermally stable up to 200°C (392°F) (Fully bake-stable)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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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 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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. 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. 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