E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
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.
E950 (Acesulfame K / Ace-K) is a calorie-free, heat-stable synthetic potassium salt sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. INS 950, ADI is 9 mg/kg bw/day, famous for blending with sucralose and aspartame to produce sugar-identical taste curves.
Specification Comparison Table
17 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
|
— | E950 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 950 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
— | 9 mg / kg body weight per day |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g (Excreted unchanged by kidneys) kcal/g |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | High-affinity agonist for T1R2 + T1R3 sweet taste receptor dimer |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Diet sodas (Coke Zero), sugar-free energy drinks, baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic) |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.800) |