E627

What is E627?

Disodium-5'-guanylate (E627) — a flavour enhancer used to add savoury depth to soups, seasonings, snacks and prepared foods.

Quick answer

Disodium-5'-guanylate (E627), also called disodium guanylate, is a flavour enhancer used for savoury or umami taste. EFSA’s glutamate opinion does not set the framework for E627; it is a separate nucleotide flavour enhancer. E627 is permitted for specified uses in Australia/NZ and the EU, while FDA’s 21 CFR 172.530 permits disodium guanylate as a flavour enhancer. Goodnessly rates it Avoid.

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Read the FAQ →

What is disodium guanylate?

Disodium guanylate is the disodium salt of guanylic acid and is used to strengthen savoury flavour. Labels may say "disodium guanylate", "disodium-5'-guanylate", "627", "E627" or "flavour enhancer (627)".

What's it used for?

  • Adding savoury or umami depth to soups and broths
  • Seasoning snack foods and savoury mixes
  • Working with glutamate or other flavour enhancers in a formulation
  • Supporting flavour in prepared meals and sauces

Where you'll find E627 on the shelf

E627 is most likely in savoury packaged foods and seasoning systems where a strong umami note is wanted.

Soup and broth mixes
Savoury snacks
Seasoning blends
Sauces & gravies
Prepared meals
Flavour enhancer (627)

Is disodium guanylate safe? What the research says

E627 is a permitted flavour enhancer with conditions that vary by jurisdiction and food category. Goodnessly’s Avoid rating is a household preference to reduce routine added flavour enhancers, not a claim that authorised E627 use is a ban or proven harm.

Region Status What this means
AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) Permitted (specified foods; Schedule 15) FSANZ lists disodium-5′-guanylate as additive 627. Food-category permissions and maximum levels apply, and added flavour enhancers must be declared by name or code number.
EU European Union (EFSA) Authorised; specified categories E627 is included in the EU Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified food categories and conditions of use.
US United States (FDA) Permitted as a flavour enhancer under 21 CFR 172.530 21 CFR 172.530 states that disodium guanylate may be used as a flavour enhancer in foods at a level not greater than reasonably required to produce the intended effect.

Disodium guanylate is not MSG and is not covered by the EFSA group ADI for added glutamates E620–E625. The label code identifies the additive, while the amount depends on the recipe.

📰 Recent developments Last checked September 2026
  • FSANZ: additive 627 is included in the numerical additive list and Food Standards Code framework.
  • EU: E627 is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified categories.
  • FDA 21 CFR 172.530: permits disodium guanylate as a flavour enhancer at the level reasonably required for its intended effect.

This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.

Who might want to limit or avoid it

  • People who prefer foods without added flavour enhancers
  • Households reducing seasoning systems that combine several flavour-enhancer codes
  • Anyone comparing products and choosing a shorter ingredient list

Goodnessly rates E627 Avoid. Disodium guanylate is permitted for specified uses, but our preference is to keep routine added flavour enhancers out of Clear.

How to spot it on a label

Look for:

  • Disodium guanylate
  • Disodium-5'-guanylate
  • 627 or E627
  • Flavour enhancer (627)
  • Disodium guanylate alongside MSG or disodium inosinate

It may appear with E621 MSG or E631 disodium inosinate in a savoury flavour system.

Related additives

621 Monosodium glutamate 620 L-glutamic acid

Frequently asked questions

What is E627?

E627 is disodium-5'-guanylate, also called disodium guanylate, a savoury flavour enhancer.

Is E627 the same as MSG?

No. MSG is E621, while E627 is disodium guanylate. They are different substances that may be used together for savoury flavour.

Is disodium guanylate permitted?

Yes. It is permitted for specified uses in Australia/NZ and the EU, and 21 CFR 172.530 permits it as a flavour enhancer in the US.

Does Goodnessly rate E627 as safe, caution or avoid?

Goodnessly rates E627 (disodium-5'-guanylate) as Avoid.

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