Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing)
E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)
E251 (Sodium Nitrate / NaNO3) is an inorganic salt serving as a slow-release chemical reservoir of nitrite in long-aged cured meats and hard cheeses. INS 251, ADI is 3.7 mg/kg bw/day, enzymatically reduced into nitrite over months of curing.
E967 (Xylitol) is a five-carbon polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of xylose from birch wood or corn cobs. INS 967, ADI is Not Specified, offering 100% 1:1 sugar sweetness, a cooling endothermic mouthfeel, and active inhibition of Streptococcus mutans cavity bacteria.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E251 | E967 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 251 | INS 967 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative, Curing Agent, Antimicrobial | Bulk Sweetener, Anti-Cariogenic Dental Agent, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
3.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as nitrate ion) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Toxic to dogs warning) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Prosciutto di Parma, dry-cured salamis, Gouda cheeses (prevents late blowing by Clostridium tyrobutyricum) | Dental chewing gums (Orbit/Trident), sugar-free mints, toothpastes, diabetic baking |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Mineral synthesis, Halal, Kosher, Vegan compliance | Vegan (Plant birch/corn source), Halal, Kosher, High Canine Toxicity Warning |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 9 CFR 424.21 | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.395) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaNO3 | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Micrococcus and Staphylococcus bacterial nitrate reductase slowly converts nitrate (NO3-) into bioactive nitrite (NO2-) | — |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 100% Sucrose (Exact 1:1 sweetness match) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 2.4 kcal / g (40% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g |
|
Heat of Solution (Cooling)
|
— | -36.5 cal/g (Strong refreshing cooling mouth sensation) cal/g |
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