What is E629?
E629 is Calcium Guanylate — can be produced from yeast, fish or meat, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
What is E629 (Calcium Guanylate)?
E629 is the E-number for calcium guanylate, 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, fish or meat. Like every E-number, E629 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 E629 in detail below.
Where is E629 found?
E629 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 (E629) or by its full name, calcium guanylate. Common foods that may contain E629 include:
- Crisps
- Instant noodles
- Soups
- Stock cubes
- Savoury snacks and ready meals
Full guide: foods containing E629 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E629 safe?
E629 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 E629.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E629 vegan?
E629 is uncertain for vegans — it is can be produced from yeast, 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 E629 →Is E629 halal?
E629 is mashbooh (doubtful) — can be produced from yeast, fish or meat. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E629 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E629 in food?
E629 is Calcium Guanylate — can be produced from yeast, fish or meat, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
Is E629 safe to eat?
Yes. E629 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E629 vegan?
E629 is uncertain for vegans — it is can be produced from yeast, fish or meat, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E629 halal?
E629 is mashbooh (doubtful) — can be produced from yeast, 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
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).