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

E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)

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

Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) →

E338 (Phosphoric Acid / H3PO4) is a mineral inorganic acid providing a uniquely dry, tangy, astringent sourness. INS 338, group ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus), the quintessential acidulant in cola beverages and processed cheeses.

View full E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) spec sheet →
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) →

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.

View full E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
E-Number Code
E338 E503
INS / Codex Number
INS 338 INS 503(ii)
Functional Class
Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt Raising Agent, Acidity Regulator
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
H3PO4 (pKa1 2.15) (NH4)HCO3
Primary Mechanism
Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth Thermal decomposition leaves zero residual water or alkali salts: (NH4)HCO3 -> NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(g)
Common Target Foods
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks Thin crispy crackers, Italian biscotti, Greek koulourakia, sugar wafer shells
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher Vegan (Mineral synthesis), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1137)

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Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →