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

E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)

Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)

E410 (Locust Bean Gum / LBG) is a galactomannan polysaccharide milled from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua). INS 410, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), providing smooth melt-down and freeze-thaw ice crystal inhibition in premium ice creams.

View full E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) spec sheet →

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

14 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Functional Class
Thickener, Stabilizer, Syneresis Inhibitor Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) 30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987)
E-Number Code
E410
INS / Codex Number
INS 410
Mannose to Galactose Ratio
4 : 1 (High mannose backbone requires heating to 85°C for full hydration)
Primary Mechanism
Synergistically cross-links with xanthan gum and carrageenan to form elastic gels and halt ice crystallization
Common Target Foods
Ice creams (prevents icy graininess), cream cheeses, infant formula thickeners, fruit sauces
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Carob tree seed endosperm), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1343)
INS / E-Number
INS 621 / E621
Chemical Formula
C₅H₈NO₄Na · H₂O (Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate monohydrate)
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 E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →