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

E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)

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

Comparing:
E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) →

E412 (Guar Gum) is a natural galactomannan hydrocolloid extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). INS 412, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), boasting 8x the thickening power of cornstarch and hydrating completely in cold water.

View full E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) spec sheet →
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) →

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
E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan)
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
Functional Class
Thickener, Emulsion Stabilizer, Dietary Fiber 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
E412 —
INS / Codex Number
INS 412 —
Mannose to Galactose Ratio
2 : 1 (High galactose substitution enables instant cold water solubility) —
Primary Mechanism
Entangles water molecules via extensive hydrogen bonding, producing high viscosity at low shear —
Common Target Foods
Gluten-free baked goods, salad dressings, ice creams, sauces, instant soup powders —
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Guar bean seed endosperm), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO —
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1339) —
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 E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →