E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
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.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E950 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 950 | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
9 mg / kg body weight per day | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
200x Sucrose | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
0.0 kcal / g (Excreted unchanged by kidneys) kcal/g | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Diet sodas (Coke Zero), sugar-free energy drinks, baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic) | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.800) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High-affinity agonist for T1R2 + T1R3 sweet taste receptor dimer | — |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |