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Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)

Highlight Diffs (10)

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) →

E150a (Class I / Plain Caramel) is produced by controlled thermal heating of food carbohydrates without ammonium or sulfite compounds. INS 150a, ADI is Not Specified, yielding a warm brown-amber color in spirits, whiskey, and vinegars.

View full E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) spec sheet →

E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) →

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.

View full E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
E-Number Code	E150a	E422
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 422
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism	Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores	Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Chemical Formula	—	C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol)

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