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

E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)

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

Comparing:
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) 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
Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer 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
E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 471
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)
Primary Mechanism
Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)
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 E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →