INS 627 / E627Flavour EnhancerSource-dependent

Disodium Guanylate (INS 627)

TL;DR

INS 627 is disodium guanylate, a flavour booster from the same family as disodium inosinate (INS 631). It is almost always paired with MSG (INS 621) in chips and noodle masala, where the combination tastes far stronger than any of them alone. Veg status depends on the source the manufacturer uses and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.

Quick Facts

INS Number
627
E-Number
E627
Category
Flavour Enhancer
Veg Status
Source-dependent
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (1993)
Chemical Name
disodium 5'-guanylate

What is INS 627?

INS 627 is disodium guanylate, a flavour booster from the same family as disodium inosinate (INS 631). It is almost always paired with MSG (INS 621) in chips and noodle masala, where the combination tastes far stronger than any of them alone.

Why brands add it

Brands use it because it works in combination with MSG to boost umami at very small doses. The label shorthand 'I+G' (inosinate + guanylate) is the industry name for the combined flavour enhancer in many savoury Indian snacks.

Where you'll find it

INS 627 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:

  • chips and crisps
  • namkeen and savoury mixes
  • instant noodles seasoning
  • soup powders
  • savoury biscuits
  • ready-to-eat snacks

Veg or non-veg? - Source-dependent

Disodium guanylate is most commonly produced from yeast extracts, but can also be derived from fish or animal products depending on the manufacturer. The pack alone does not say which source the brand used. The Indian veg/non-veg dot logo is your safest signal: a green dot means the brand has declared a non-animal source.

FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation

FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as a flavour enhancer under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories.

JECFA: Group ADI 'not specified' for inosinic acid, guanylic acid, and their sodium, potassium, and calcium salts (covering INS 627, 630, 631, 633, 635). First assessed by JECFA in 1974, retained at 'not specified' in 1993.

Also known as

On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 627 is also called:

627ins 627e627e 627disodium guanylatesodium guanylateguanylic acid5'-gmpgmp

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INS 627 vegetarian?+
Source-dependent. Disodium guanylate is most commonly produced from yeast extracts, but can also be derived from fish or animal products depending on the manufacturer. The pack alone does not say which source the brand used. The Indian veg/non-veg dot logo is your safest signal: a green dot means the brand has declared a non-animal source.
Is INS 627 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI as a flavour enhancer under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories.
What is INS 627 used for?+
Brands use it because it works in combination with MSG to boost umami at very small doses. The label shorthand 'I+G' (inosinate + guanylate) is the industry name for the combined flavour enhancer in many savoury Indian snacks.
Is INS 627 (also written as E627) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 627 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E627 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (disodium guanylate).

Sources

Last verified: 2026-04-29.

Regulatory status, not medical advice
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.

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