Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
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.
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
|
E503 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 503(ii) | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Raising Agent, Acidity Regulator | 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
|
Thin crispy crackers, Italian biscotti, Greek koulourakia, sugar wafer shells | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral synthesis), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1137) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
(NH4)HCO3 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Thermal decomposition leaves zero residual water or alkali salts: (NH4)HCO3 -> NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(g) | — |
|
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) |
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