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

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)

Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) →

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.

View full E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) spec sheet →
E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) →

E950 (Acesulfame K / Ace-K) is a calorie-free, heat-stable synthetic potassium salt sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. INS 950, ADI is 9 mg/kg bw/day, famous for blending with sucralose and aspartame to produce sugar-identical taste curves.

View full E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

11 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)
E-Number Code
E150a E950
INS / Codex Number
INS 150a INS 950
Functional Class
Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class) 9 mg / kg body weight per day
Primary Mechanism
Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores High-affinity agonist for T1R2 + T1R3 sweet taste receptor dimer
Common Target Foods
Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales Diet sodas (Coke Zero), sugar-free energy drinks, baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free 100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85) EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.800)
Chemical Class
Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins —
Relative Sweetness Index
— 200x Sucrose
Caloric Value
— 0.0 kcal / g (Excreted unchanged by kidneys) kcal/g

Other Alternatives to Compare

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E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E407: 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(Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →