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

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)

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

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)

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 →

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

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
E-Number Code	E150a	E460
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 460(i)
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Bulking Agent, Anti-Caking Agent, Stabilizer, Fat Replacer
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	Crystalline cellulose micro-particles mimic creamy lipid mouthfeel without calories; prevents powder agglomeration
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Shredded cheeses (Prevents clumping), low-fat dressings, dietary supplement tablets, diet foods
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	100% Vegan (Plant wood pulp), Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1323)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Chemical Formula	—	(C6H10O5)n (Insoluble linear beta-1,4-glucan polymer)

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