E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
E501 (Potassium Carbonates / K2CO3) is an inorganic alkaline mineral salt. INS 501(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used as the key 'Kansui' alkaline agent in Japanese ramen noodles and in the Dutch processing of cocoa powder.
E509 (Calcium Chloride / CaCl2) is an inorganic calcium mineral salt. INS 509, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a crucial firming agent in canned tomatoes, tofu coagulant, and rennet coagulation restorer in pasteurized milk cheese making.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E501 | E509 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 501(i) (Potassium Carbonate) | INS 509 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Alkaline Leavening, Kansui Salt | Firming Agent, Coagulant, Sequestrant, Electrolyte |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
K2CO3 | CaCl2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Alkalinizes noodle dough (pH 9–11), tightening glutenin network and converting flavonoid pigments yellow | Divalent Ca2+ ions cross-link pectin galacturonan chains in plant cell walls and bridge casein micelles in milk |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Ramen noodles (Kansui), Dutch-process alkalized cocoa powder, gingerbread leavening | Canned whole peeled tomatoes (prevents mushiness), pasteurized cheese vats, soy tofu coagulation, sports pickles |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral salt), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Natural brine/limestone salt), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1619) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1193) |