Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
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.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant) | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987) | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
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 | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
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