E635 · Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E635?
Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides is a blend of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627), used as a flavor enhancer to intensify umami taste in soups, sauces, and seasonings. It is almost always used together with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to produce a stronger combined savory effect. EFSA and the FDA consider it safe when used within regulated limits.
Also appears on labels as: Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides, Disodium 5-prime ribonucleotides, Disodium inosinate and guanylate, 5'-ribonucleotide disodium salt, Disodium 5'-inosinate, Disodium 5'-guanylate, E635, E 635, E-635, Nucleotides disodium, Flavor enhancer disodium 5'-ribonucleotides, Disodium ribonucleotide mixture.
What the evidence says
- Often derived from meat or fish extracts (or yeast/microbial fermentation, depending on the source), so it is not reliably vegetarian or vegan unless confirmed by the manufacturer.
- Contributes to dietary purine load, a consideration for people with gout or hyperuricemia.
- Often used alongside MSG, so those sensitive to MSG may notice similar effects.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of calcium 5′‐ribonucleotides (E 634) and disodium 5′‐ribonucleotides (E 635) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2018). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of calcium 5′‐ribonucleotides (E 634) and disodium 5′‐ribonucleotides (E 635) when used as food additives. These compounds are mixtures of guanylates and inosinates. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these substances are used as food additives at the reported use levels.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E635 safe?
Our overall verdict for E635 (Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E635 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E635 and why is it used?
Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides is a blend of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627), used as a flavor enhancer to intensify umami taste in soups, sauces, and seasonings. It is almost always used together with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to produce a stronger combined savory effect. EFSA and the FDA consider it safe when used within regulated limits.
Does E635 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides, though some people report sensitivity (May contribute to MSG-symptom-complex-like reactions in sensitive individuals when co-formulated with MSG).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.