Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
E150a (Class I / Plain Caramel) is produced by controlled thermal heating of food carbohydrates without ammonium or sulfite compounds. INS 150a, ADI is Not Specified, yielding a warm brown-amber color in spirits, whiskey, and vinegars.
E503 (Ammonium Bicarbonate / (NH4)HCO3) is a historic chemical leavening salt. INS 503(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing 100% into gaseous CO2, ammonia, and water at temperatures >60°C to create ultra-crisp, airy crackers and cookies.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E150a | E503 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150a | INS 503(ii) |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring | Raising Agent, Acidity Regulator |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores | Thermal decomposition leaves zero residual water or alkali salts: (NH4)HCO3 -> NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(g) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales | Thin crispy crackers, Italian biscotti, Greek koulourakia, sugar wafer shells |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free | Vegan (Mineral synthesis), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1137) |
|
Chemical Class
|
Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | (NH4)HCO3 |
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