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

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

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

Comparing:
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

E160a (Beta-Carotene) is a fat-soluble orange carotenoid tetraterpenoid obtained by synthesis, fermentation of Blakeslea trispora, or plant extraction. INS 160a(i)/(ii), ADI is Not Specified, providing deep orange-yellow hues in dairy, juices, and fats.

View full E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) spec sheet →

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.

View full E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E160a E509
INS / Codex Number
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) INS 509
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant Firming Agent, Coagulant, Sequestrant, Electrolyte
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C40H56 CaCl2
Primary Mechanism
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) Divalent Ca2+ ions cross-link pectin galacturonan chains in plant cell walls and bridge casein micelles in milk
Common Target Foods
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries Canned whole peeled tomatoes (prevents mushiness), pasteurized cheese vats, soy tofu coagulation, sports pickles
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified Vegan (Natural brine/limestone salt), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1193)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E160a: 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