What is E626?
E626 is Guanylic Acid — can be produced from yeast extract, but also from fish or meat, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
What is E626 (Guanylic Acid)?
E626 is the E-number for guanylic acid, one of the flavour enhancers group of food additives (E600–E699). Additives in this group boost the existing savoury flavour of foods. Can be produced from yeast extract, but also from fish or meat. Like every E-number, E626 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E626 in detail below.
Where is E626 found?
E626 is typically used in crisps, instant noodles, soups, stock cubes, savoury snacks and ready meals. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E626) or by its full name, guanylic acid. Common foods that may contain E626 include:
- Crisps
- Instant noodles
- Soups
- Stock cubes
- Savoury snacks and ready meals
Full guide: foods containing E626 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E626 safe?
E626 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E626.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E626 vegan?
E626 is uncertain for vegans — it is can be produced from yeast extract, but also from fish or meat, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E626 →Is E626 halal?
E626 is mashbooh (doubtful) — can be produced from yeast extract, but also from fish or meat. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E626 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E626 in food?
E626 is Guanylic Acid — can be produced from yeast extract, but also from fish or meat, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
Is E626 safe to eat?
Yes. E626 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E626 vegan?
E626 is uncertain for vegans — it is can be produced from yeast extract, but also from fish or meat, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E626 halal?
E626 is mashbooh (doubtful) — can be produced from yeast extract, but also from fish or meat. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).