What is E631?
E631 is Disodium Inosinate — a savoury flavour booster that is often derived from meat or fish — including pork — so vegans and halal consumers must verify the source.
What is E631 (Disodium Inosinate)?
E631 is the E-number for disodium inosinate, one of the flavour enhancers group of food additives (E600–E699). Additives in this group boost the existing savoury flavour of foods. Often derived from meat or fish — which may include pork — though it can be made by fermentation. E631 can be produced by fermentation (vegan) or extracted from meat and fish — including pork in some cases — and the label never says which. It is one of the most-asked-about additives among vegetarian and Muslim consumers for exactly this reason. Like every E-number, E631 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 E631 in detail below.
Where is E631 found?
E631 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 (E631) or by its full name, disodium inosinate. Common foods that may contain E631 include:
- Crisps and savoury snacks
- Instant noodles
- Flavoured rice
- Stock cubes
- Ready meals
Full guide: foods containing E631 and how to spot it on labels →
E631 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Disodium Inosinate safe?
Is E631 safe?
E631 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 E631.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E631 vegan?
E631 is uncertain for vegans — it is often derived from meat or fish — which may include pork — though it can be made by fermentation, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E631 →Is E631 halal?
E631 is treated as haram unless certified. Often derived from meat or fish — which may include pork — though it can be made by fermentation, and without halal certification the source cannot be verified as permissible.
Full halal status guide for E631 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E631 in food?
E631 is Disodium Inosinate — a savoury flavour booster that is often derived from meat or fish — including pork — so vegans and halal consumers must verify the source.
Is E631 safe to eat?
Yes. E631 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E631 vegan?
E631 is uncertain for vegans — it is often derived from meat or fish — which may include pork — though it can be made by fermentation, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E631 halal?
E631 is treated as haram unless certified. Often derived from meat or fish — which may include pork — though it can be made by fermentation, and without halal certification the source cannot be verified as permissible.
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).