What is E627?
E627 is Disodium Guanylate — a savoury flavour booster usually made from yeast or tapioca — but it can be derived from fish, so strict vegans should check.
What is E627 (Disodium Guanylate)?
E627 is the E-number for disodium guanylate, one of the flavour enhancers group of food additives (E600–E699). Additives in this group boost the existing savoury flavour of foods. Usually produced from yeast or tapioca starch, but can be derived from fish or meat. Disodium guanylate is almost always paired with MSG (E621) because the two amplify each other's savoury umami effect dramatically. Like every E-number, E627 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 E627 in detail below.
Where is E627 found?
E627 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 (E627) or by its full name, disodium guanylate. Common foods that may contain E627 include:
- Crisps
- Instant noodles
- Stock cubes
- Savoury snacks
- Ready meals
Full guide: foods containing E627 and how to spot it on labels →
E627 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Disodium Guanylate safe?
Is E627 safe?
E627 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 E627.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E627 vegan?
E627 is uncertain for vegans — it is usually produced from yeast or tapioca starch, but can be derived 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 E627 →Is E627 halal?
E627 is mashbooh (doubtful) — usually produced from yeast or tapioca starch, but can be derived from fish or meat. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E627 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E627 in food?
E627 is Disodium Guanylate — a savoury flavour booster usually made from yeast or tapioca — but it can be derived from fish, so strict vegans should check.
Is E627 safe to eat?
Yes. E627 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E627 vegan?
E627 is uncertain for vegans — it is usually produced from yeast or tapioca starch, but can be derived from fish or meat, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E627 halal?
E627 is mashbooh (doubtful) — usually produced from yeast or tapioca starch, but can be derived 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).