Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)
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).
E965 (Maltitol) is a disaccharide polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of maltose derived from cornstarch. INS 965(i), ADI is Not Specified (Excessive consumption may have laxative effect), delivering 90% the sweetness of sugar with 2.1 kcal/g.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E406 | E965 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 406 | INS 965(i) (Powder) / 965(ii) (Syrup) |
|
Functional Class
|
Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative) | Bulk Sweetener, Humectant, Texturizer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Laxative warning required) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates | Sugar-free chocolates, sugar-free gummy bears, baked bars, chewing gum |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free) | Vegan (Cornstarch origin), Halal, Kosher, Non-cariogenic |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1444) |
|
Chemical Components
|
Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 90% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 2.1 kcal / g (47% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 35 (Maltitol powder) / 52 (Maltitol syrup) |
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