Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
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).
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
|
E406 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 406 | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative) | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free) | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
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
|
— | 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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