E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
E334 (L(+)-Tartaric Acid) is a dicarboxylic organic acid recovered as potassium bitartrate by-product from wine barrels. INS 334, ADI has historically been set at up to 20 mg/kg bw/day by JECFA, delivering a sharp, lingering tartness in candies, soft drinks, and baking powders.
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
|
E334 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 334 | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Historically up to 20 mg / kg body weight per day (JECFA: 0–6 mg/kg unconditional + 6–20 mg/kg conditional acceptance) | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda | — |
|
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) |