Disodium inosinate, E631, is a savoury flavour booster with a murky supply chain. It can come from fish, from meat, or from fermentation, and the label rarely says which.
Possible sourcesMeat, fish, or fermentation
E numberE631
VerdictIt depends
Where it hides
Instant noodles and seasoning
Crisps and savoury snacks
Stock cubes and soups
Usually paired with MSG
What it is
Disodium inosinate is a nucleotide that turbo-charges savoury, umami taste, which is why it rides along with MSG in so many snacks. Its raw material is the problem for vegans.
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Inosinate is naturally found in meat and fish at levels of 80–800 mg/100 g.
Commercial E631 is sometimes extracted from meat or fish and sometimes made by microbial fermentation, and the ingredient list almost never says which. Because it is expensive, it is usually paired with MSG, so a product listing E621 and E631 together is common. Unless a maker confirms a fermentation or plant source, the honest answer is that E631 is uncertain.
Disodium guanylate (E627)Disodium guanylate, E627, is made by fermentation, which sounds vegan-friendly. The wrinkle is that it almost never travels alone, and its usual partner is the one to watch.
Disodium ribonucleotides (E635)E635 is not one additive but two working together: disodium inosinate plus disodium guanylate. Its vegan status is only as clean as the inosinate inside it.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG, E621)MSG is savoury seasoning made the way vinegar is: fermentation. Its reputation has taken more hits than it deserves, and none of them is that it is an animal product.
Frequently asked
Is E631 always from animals?
No, but it often is. Disodium inosinate can be produced from meat or fish, or by fermentation. Labels rarely specify, so treat it as uncertain unless the manufacturer confirms a non-animal source.
Is disodium inosinate the same as MSG?
No. It is a different flavour enhancer usually used alongside MSG to boost the savoury effect. MSG itself is made by fermentation and is generally vegan, but E631 is the uncertain one.
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