Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
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.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E338 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 338 | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus) | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
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
|
— | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |
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