E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
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.
E627 (Disodium 5'-Guanylate / GMP) is the sodium salt of guanylic acid, a purine nucleotide naturally concentrated in dried shiitake mushrooms. INS 627, ADI is Not Specified, exhibiting massive 8x–30x synergistic umami amplification when paired with MSG.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E211 | E627 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 211 | INS 627 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) | Flavor Enhancer (Purine Nucleotide Umami Synergist) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C7H5NaO2 | C10H12N5Na2O8P · xH2O |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes | Binds allosteric site on T1R1/T1R3 umami receptor, locking glutamate into the orthosteric binding pocket |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce | Savory snack seasonings (Doritos, chips), instant ramen noodle seasoning packets, bouillon cubes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Microbial fermentation of tapioca/sugar), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.530) |