What is E635?
E635 is Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides — a blend of disodium inosinate and guanylate that can be derived from meat or fish, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
What is E635 (Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides)?
E635 is the E-number for disodium 5'-ribonucleotides, one of the flavour enhancers group of food additives (E600–E699). Additives in this group boost the existing savoury flavour of foods. A blend of disodium inosinate and guanylate that can be derived from meat or fish. Like every E-number, E635 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 E635 in detail below.
Where is E635 found?
E635 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 (E635) or by its full name, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides. Common foods that may contain E635 include:
- Crisps
- Instant noodles
- Soups
- Stock cubes
- Savoury snacks and ready meals
Full guide: foods containing E635 and how to spot it on labels →
E635 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Disodium Ribonucleotides safe?
Is E635 safe?
E635 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 E635.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E635 vegan?
E635 is uncertain for vegans — it is a blend of disodium inosinate and guanylate that can be derived from meat or fish, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E635 →Is E635 halal?
E635 is treated as haram unless certified. A blend of disodium inosinate and guanylate that can be derived from meat or fish, and without halal certification the source cannot be verified as permissible.
Full halal status guide for E635 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E635 in food?
E635 is Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides — a blend of disodium inosinate and guanylate that can be derived from meat or fish, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
Is E635 safe to eat?
Yes. E635 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E635 vegan?
E635 is uncertain for vegans — it is a blend of disodium inosinate and guanylate that can be derived from meat or fish, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E635 halal?
E635 is treated as haram unless certified. A blend of disodium inosinate and guanylate that can be derived from meat or fish, 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).