E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
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.
E951 (Aspartame) is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide yielding ~200x the sweetness of sucrose. INS 951, ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day, the historic sweetener in Diet Coke and tabletop sweetener packets.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E422 | E951 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 422 | INS 951 |
|
Functional Class
|
Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent | High-Intensity Artificial Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 40 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 50 mg/kg) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling | Stimulates T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors with clean, sugar-like taste profile |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying | Diet sodas, tabletop sweetener packets (Equal), sugar-free gelatin desserts, drink mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher | Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Contains Phenylalanine (Warning for PKU patients mandatory) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.804) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol) | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 4.0 kcal / g (Negligible at use levels / ~0.1 kcal per serving) kcal/g |