What is E640?
E640 is Glycine and its Sodium Salt — an amino acid that can be made synthetically or derived from gelatine, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
What is E640 (Glycine and its Sodium Salt)?
E640 is the E-number for glycine and its sodium salt, one of the flavour enhancers group of food additives (E600–E699). Additives in this group boost the existing savoury flavour of foods. An amino acid that can be made synthetically or derived from gelatine. Like every E-number, E640 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 E640 in detail below.
Where is E640 found?
E640 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 (E640) or by its full name, glycine and its sodium salt. Common foods that may contain E640 include:
- Crisps
- Instant noodles
- Soups
- Stock cubes
- Savoury snacks and ready meals
Full guide: foods containing E640 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E640 safe?
E640 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 E640.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E640 vegan?
E640 is uncertain for vegans — it is an amino acid that can be made synthetically or derived from gelatine, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E640 →Is E640 halal?
E640 is mashbooh (doubtful) — an amino acid that can be made synthetically or derived from gelatine. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E640 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E640 in food?
E640 is Glycine and its Sodium Salt — an amino acid that can be made synthetically or derived from gelatine, used as a flavour enhancer to help boost the existing savoury flavour of foods.
Is E640 safe to eat?
Yes. E640 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E640 vegan?
E640 is uncertain for vegans — it is an amino acid that can be made synthetically or derived from gelatine, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E640 halal?
E640 is mashbooh (doubtful) — an amino acid that can be made synthetically or derived from gelatine. 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).