Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
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.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E338 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 338 | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
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
|
— | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |
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