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

E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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

Comparing:
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

E290 (Carbon Dioxide / CO2) is an authorized food additive functioning as a carbonating gas, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) preservative, and cryogenic freezing propellant. INS 290, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis).

View full E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) 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
E290 E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 290 INS 471
Functional Class
Carbonating Gas, Packaging Gas, Preservative, Propellant Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Dissolves in water forming carbonic acid (H2CO3) for effervescence; displaces O2 in packaging to block aerobic mold growth Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, champagne, MAP bagged salads, fresh meats Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1240) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)
Chemical Formula
CO2
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)

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