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.
What it isBlend of E631 and E627
E numberE635
VerdictIt depends
Where it hides
Instant noodles and ramen
Crisps and savoury snacks
Seasoning blends and stocks
Usually with MSG (E621)
What it is
Disodium ribonucleotides, E635, is the workhorse umami booster in packaged savoury food. It is defined by its two components:
Primary source 01 / 01
It is a mixture of disodium inosinate (IMP) and disodium guanylate (GMP) and is often used where a food already contains natural glutamates (as in meat extract) or added monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Since half the blend is disodium inosinate (E631), which is often extracted from meat or fish, E635 inherits that uncertainty. The guanylate half is fermentation-derived, but that does not clear the whole additive. Unless the manufacturer confirms a fermentation or plant source, treat E635 as uncertain.
Disodium inosinate (E631)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.
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.
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
What is E635 made of?
It is a mixture of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). Because the inosinate is often from meat or fish, E635 is uncertain unless the maker confirms a non-animal source.
Is E635 in most instant noodles?
It is very common in instant noodles, crisps and seasoning, usually alongside MSG. Its vegan status depends on how the inosinate portion was made.
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