E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
E160c (Paprika Extract / Oleoresin) is a natural lipid-soluble red-orange colorant extracted from dried red peppers (Capsicum annuum). INS 160c, ADI is 24 mg/kg bw/day, delivering rich reddish coloration to processed meats, seasonings, and dressings without spiciness.
E951 (Aspartame) is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide yielding ~200x the sweetness of sucrose. INS 951, ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day, the historic sweetener in Diet Coke and tabletop sweetener packets.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E160c | E951 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 160c | INS 951 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Red-Orange) | High-Intensity Artificial Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
24 mg / kg body weight per day | 40 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 50 mg/kg) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Keto-carotenoid chromophores imparting heat-stable red color (capsaicin heat is removed) | Stimulates T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors with clean, sugar-like taste profile |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Chorizo, hot dog casings, marinades, snack seasonings, cheese dips | Diet sodas, tabletop sweetener packets (Equal), sugar-free gelatin desserts, drink mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Red pepper solvent extract), Halal, Kosher | Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Contains Phenylalanine (Warning for PKU patients mandatory) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.345 | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.804) |
|
Key Chromophores
|
Capsanthin (C40H56O3) and Capsorubin (C40H56O4) | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 200x Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 4.0 kcal / g (Negligible at use levels / ~0.1 kcal per serving) kcal/g |