E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
E140 (Chlorophyll) is the natural magnesium-porphyrin green pigment extracted from grass, alfalfa, and nettles. INS 140(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), utilized to restore vibrant botanical green color to confectionery, oils, and pasta.
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.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Green) | 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) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C55H72MgN4O5 (Chlorophyll a) | C₅H₈NO₄Na · H₂O (Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate monohydrate) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E140 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 140(i) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Light absorption in red (660nm) and blue (430nm) spectra, reflecting vibrant botanical green | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Pesto, spinach pasta, mint confectionery, olive oil blends, liqueurs | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Plant solvent extraction), Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.125 | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 621 / E621 |
|
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 |