E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 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.
E965 (Maltitol) is a disaccharide polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of maltose derived from cornstarch. INS 965(i), ADI is Not Specified (Excessive consumption may have laxative effect), delivering 90% the sweetness of sugar with 2.1 kcal/g.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E501 | E965 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 501(i) (Potassium Carbonate) | INS 965(i) (Powder) / 965(ii) (Syrup) |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Alkaline Leavening, Kansui Salt | Bulk Sweetener, Humectant, Texturizer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Laxative warning required) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Ramen noodles (Kansui), Dutch-process alkalized cocoa powder, gingerbread leavening | Sugar-free chocolates, sugar-free gummy bears, baked bars, chewing gum |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral salt), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Cornstarch origin), Halal, Kosher, Non-cariogenic |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1619) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1444) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
K2CO3 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Alkalinizes noodle dough (pH 9–11), tightening glutenin network and converting flavonoid pigments yellow | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 90% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 2.1 kcal / g (47% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 35 (Maltitol powder) / 52 (Maltitol syrup) |