Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist)
E406 (Agar-Agar) is a natural sulfated galactan polysaccharide hydrocolloid extracted from red algae seaweeds (Rhodophyta). INS 406, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), forming firm, brittle thermoreversible gels with huge hysteresis (melts at 85°C, sets at 35°C).
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
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E406 | E627 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 406 | INS 627 |
|
Functional Class
|
Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative) | Flavor Enhancer (Purine Nucleotide Umami Synergist) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices | Binds allosteric site on T1R1/T1R3 umami receptor, locking glutamate into the orthosteric binding pocket |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates | Savory snack seasonings (Doritos, chips), instant ramen noodle seasoning packets, bouillon cubes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free) | Vegan (Microbial fermentation of tapioca/sugar), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.530) |
|
Chemical Components
|
Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer) | — |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C10H12N5Na2O8P · xH2O |
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