E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
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.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E500 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate) | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2 | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |