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

E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing)
E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend)

E251 (Sodium Nitrate / NaNO3) is an inorganic salt serving as a slow-release chemical reservoir of nitrite in long-aged cured meats and hard cheeses. INS 251, ADI is 3.7 mg/kg bw/day, enzymatically reduced into nitrite over months of curing.

View full E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) spec sheet →

E635 (I+G) is a standardized 50/50 co-crystallized blend of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). INS 635, ADI is Not Specified, serving as the commercial standard umami booster in global food manufacturing.

View full E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E251 E635
INS / Codex Number
INS 251 INS 635
Functional Class
Preservative, Curing Agent, Antimicrobial Flavor Enhancer (Standard 50/50 IMP + GMP Umami Blend)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
3.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as nitrate ion) Not Specified (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Micrococcus and Staphylococcus bacterial nitrate reductase slowly converts nitrate (NO3-) into bioactive nitrite (NO2-) Maximum simultaneous allosteric sensitization of oral T1R1+T1R3 umami receptor sites
Common Target Foods
Prosciutto di Parma, dry-cured salamis, Gouda cheeses (prevents late blowing by Clostridium tyrobutyricum) Flavored potato chips, instant noodles, dry soup mixes, processed meats, barbecue sauces
Dietary Compliance
Mineral synthesis, Halal, Kosher, Vegan compliance Vegan (Bacterial sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA 9 CFR 424.21 EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS
Chemical Formula
NaNO3
Composition
50% Disodium Inosinate (E631) + 50% Disodium Guanylate (E627)

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