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

E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

E270 (L-Lactic Acid) is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus). INS 270, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), imparting a smooth, mild sour taste in dairy, beers, and bakery sourdoughs.

View full E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) spec sheet →

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E270 E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 270 INS 471
Functional Class
Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Agent Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Provides sustained buffering and mild tartness while suppressing spore-forming spoilage bacteria Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Yogurt, sourdough breads, sour ales (Berliner Weisse), olives, confectionery, carcass rinses Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Bacterial fermentation of beet/corn sugar), Halal, Kosher Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1061) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)
Chemical Formula
C3H6O3 (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, pKa 3.86)
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) vs. 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