# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →

E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.

View full E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) spec sheet →
E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) →

E460 (Microcrystalline Cellulose / MCC) is purified, depolymerized wood pulp cellulose prepared by acid hydrolysis. INS 460(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), functioning as a zero-calorie bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and fat mimetic in low-calorie foods.

View full E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
E-Number Code
E101 E460
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 460(i)
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Bulking Agent, Anti-Caking Agent, Stabilizer, Fat Replacer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 (C6H10O5)n (Insoluble linear beta-1,4-glucan polymer)
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Crystalline cellulose micro-particles mimic creamy lipid mouthfeel without calories; prevents powder agglomeration
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Shredded cheeses (Prevents clumping), low-fat dressings, dietary supplement tablets, diet foods
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Plant wood pulp), Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1323)

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Anti-Mold) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E960: 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