E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
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.
E500 (Sodium Carbonates / Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO3) is a mineral salt leavening agent and pH buffer. INS 500(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing under heat and acid to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that expand cakes, cookies, and pretzel crusts.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E471 | E500 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 471 | INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate) |
|
Functional Class
|
Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer | Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling | Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes | Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled) | 100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736) |
|
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
|
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier) | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) |