# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)

Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) →

E406 (Agar-Agar) is a natural sulfated galactan polysaccharide hydrocolloid extracted from red algae seaweeds (Rhodophyta). INS 406, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), forming firm, brittle thermoreversible gels with huge hysteresis (melts at 85°C, sets at 35°C).

View full E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) spec sheet →
E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) →

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.

View full E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

12 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)
E-Number Code
E406 E967
INS / Codex Number
INS 406 INS 967
Functional Class
Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative) Bulk Sweetener, Anti-Cariogenic Dental Agent, Humectant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Toxic to dogs warning)
Common Target Foods
Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates Dental chewing gums (Orbit/Trident), sugar-free mints, toothpastes, diabetic baking
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free) Vegan (Plant birch/corn source), Halal, Kosher, High Canine Toxicity Warning
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115) EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.395)
Chemical Components
Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer) —
Primary Mechanism
Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices —
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

Other Alternatives to Compare

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(Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →