Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative)
E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)
E260 (Acetic Acid / Ethanoic acid) is a natural carboxylic acid produced via aerobic Acetobacter fermentation of ethanol. INS 260, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), giving vinegar its characteristic pungent sour flavor and pickling preservative action.
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.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E260 | E950 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 260 | INS 950 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Tastant | Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 9 mg / kg body weight per day |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Lowers pH below 4.2, destroying bacterial cell membrane proton motive force | High-affinity agonist for T1R2 + T1R3 sweet taste receptor dimer |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Table vinegars (4–8%), pickled cucumbers, mustard, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup | Diet sodas (Coke Zero), sugar-free energy drinks, baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Biological vinegar fermentation), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1005) | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.800) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CH3COOH (pKa 4.76) | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g (Excreted unchanged by kidneys) kcal/g |
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