E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
E220 (Sulfur Dioxide / SO2) is an inorganic gas dissolved in water to generate bisulfite and sulfite ions, providing potent antimicrobial and polyphenol oxidase enzyme-inhibiting properties. INS 220, group ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E220 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 220 | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative, Antioxidant, Enzymatic Browning Inhibitor | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Wines (Contains sulfites declaration >10mg/L), dried apricots, ciders, potato starch | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Major Allergen Declaration Mandatory | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3862 - Banned on raw produce) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
SO2 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Molecular SO2 penetrates microbial membranes; bisulfite (HSO3-) cleaves disulfide bonds in enzymes and binds acetaldehyde | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |