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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →

E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.

View full E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) spec sheet →
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) →

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.

View full E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
E-Number Code
E101 E500
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate)
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate)
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736)

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E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E960: 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