# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)

Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) →

E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, highly soluble and active against yeasts and bacteria in acidic environments (pH < 4.5). INS 211, group ADI is 5 mg/kg bw/day, the standard antimicrobial in carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices.

View full E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) spec sheet →
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) →

Monosodium Glutamate (E621, MSG, C5H8NO4Na) is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid produced via Corynebacterium glutamicum sugar fermentation, activating human T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer umami taste receptors to enhance savory mouthfeel.

View full E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

13 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
Functional Class
Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) 30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987)
Chemical Formula
C7H5NaO2 C₅H₈NO₄Na · H₂O (Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate monohydrate)
E-Number Code
E211 —
INS / Codex Number
INS 211 —
Primary Mechanism
In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes —
Common Target Foods
Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce —
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher —
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) —
INS / E-Number
— INS 621 / E621
Taste Receptor Target
— T1R1 + T1R3 G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimer + mGluR4
Sodium Content
— 12.3% Sodium by weight (compared to 39.3% in standard table salt NaCl)
Synergistic Umami Multiplication
— 1:1 ratio with E627 (Disodium Guanylate) / E631 (Disodium Inosinate) increases umami perception up to 8-fold

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →