E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
E407 (Carrageenan) is a high-molecular-weight sulfated polygalactan extracted from red edible seaweeds (Chondrus crispus / Irish Moss). INS 407, ADI is 75 mg/kg bw/day, famed for stabilizing cocoa suspension in chocolate milk via kappa-casein binding.
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
|
E407 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 407 | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Thickener, Gelling Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
75 mg / kg body weight per day | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Chocolate milks, whipping creams, plant-based milks, deli turkey meats (water binding) | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Marine seaweed), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.620) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
Major Types
|
Kappa (Rigid brittle gel), Iota (Elastic thixotropic gel), Lambda (Non-gelling thickener) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Negative sulfate esters cross-link with positive charges on milk kappa-casein micelles | — |
|
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) |