Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E150d (Class IV Caramel) is prepared by heating carbohydrates with both sulfite and ammonium compounds, creating an intensely dark, negatively charged colloid. INS 150d, group ADI is 300 mg/kg bw/day, the global color standard in cola soft drinks.
Monosodium Glutamate (E621, MSG, C5H8NO4Na) is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid produced via Corynebacterium glutamicum sugar fermentation, activating human T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer umami taste receptors to enhance savory mouthfeel.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Deep Brown / Black) | Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
300 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI for caramel colors) | 30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E150d | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 150d | — |
|
Isoelectric Point & Charge
|
Strong negative colloidal charge (pH 0.5–2.0) preventing precipitation in acid sodas | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High tinctorial power melanoidin polymers soluble and stable in carbonated phosphoric acid matrix | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cola soft drinks, dark beers/stouts, gravies, pet foods, soy sauce | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Sugar/syrup base), Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (Strictly controlled 4-MEI limits) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 621 / E621 |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C₅H₈NO₄Na · H₂O (Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate monohydrate) |
|
Taste Receptor Target
|
— | T1R1 + T1R3 G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimer + mGluR4 |
|
Sodium Content
|
— | 12.3% Sodium by weight (compared to 39.3% in standard table salt NaCl) |
|
Synergistic Umami Multiplication
|
— | 1:1 ratio with E627 (Disodium Guanylate) / E631 (Disodium Inosinate) increases umami perception up to 8-fold |
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