Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener)
E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
Xanthan gum (E415) is a high-molecular-weight microbial exopolysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris fermentation, renowned for extreme pseudoplastic shear-thinning rheology, freeze-thaw stability, and gluten-free dough structural binding.
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin) is a sweet, viscous trihydroxy alcohol (polyol) obtained via lipid hydrolysis. INS 422, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), acting as an essential humectant, moisture retainer, and freeze-point depressant in baked goods and icings.
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
INS / E-Number
|
INS 415 / E415 | — |
|
Polymer Structure
|
Cellulose β-(1,4)-D-glucan backbone with trisaccharide side chains (mannose-glucuronic acid-mannose) | — |
|
Molecular Weight
|
2.0 × 10⁶ to 5.0 × 10⁶ Da (2–5 MDa) | — |
|
Rheological Behavior
|
Extreme Pseudoplasticity (Shear-thinning index n ≈ 0.15–0.25) | — |
|
Yield Stress
|
High at rest (suspends dense particulates like herbs in salad dressing permanently) | — |
|
Thermal Stability
|
Maintains constant viscosity from 0°C to 100°C across pH 2.0 to 12.0 | — |
|
Synergistic Gelation
|
Forms thermo-reversible firm gels when blended with Locust Bean Gum (E410) or Guar Gum (E412) | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E422 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 422 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
— | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) |
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