Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)
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.
E965 (Maltitol) is a disaccharide polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of maltose derived from cornstarch. INS 965(i), ADI is Not Specified (Excessive consumption may have laxative effect), delivering 90% the sweetness of sugar with 2.1 kcal/g.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant) | Bulk Sweetener, Humectant, Texturizer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Laxative warning required) |
|
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
|
— | E965 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 965(i) (Powder) / 965(ii) (Syrup) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 90% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 2.1 kcal / g (47% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 35 (Maltitol powder) / 52 (Maltitol syrup) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Sugar-free chocolates, sugar-free gummy bears, baked bars, chewing gum |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan (Cornstarch origin), Halal, Kosher, Non-cariogenic |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1444) |
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