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

E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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

Comparing:
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

E330 (Citric Acid) is a tricarboxylic organic acid produced by industrial fermentation of Aspergillus niger on carbohydrate substrates. INS 330, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the single most widely used acidulant, flavor enhancer, and metal chelator on Earth.

View full E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) 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
E330 E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 330 INS 471
Functional Class
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)
Chemical Formula
C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid)
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →