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

E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel)
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) →

E150d (Class IV Caramel) is prepared by heating carbohydrates with both sulfite and ammonium compounds, creating an intensely dark, negatively charged colloid. INS 150d, group ADI is 300 mg/kg bw/day, the global color standard in cola soft drinks.

View full E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) spec sheet →
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) →

E406 (Agar-Agar) is a natural sulfated galactan polysaccharide hydrocolloid extracted from red algae seaweeds (Rhodophyta). INS 406, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), forming firm, brittle thermoreversible gels with huge hysteresis (melts at 85°C, sets at 35°C).

View full E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel)
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E-Number Code
E150d E406
INS / Codex Number
INS 150d INS 406
Functional Class
Food Color (Deep Brown / Black) Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
300 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI for caramel colors) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
High tinctorial power melanoidin polymers soluble and stable in carbonated phosphoric acid matrix Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices
Common Target Foods
Cola soft drinks, dark beers/stouts, gravies, pet foods, soy sauce Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Sugar/syrup base), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (Strictly controlled 4-MEI limits) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115)
Isoelectric Point & Charge
Strong negative colloidal charge (pH 0.5–2.0) preventing precipitation in acid sodas —
Chemical Components
— Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →