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

E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)

Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)
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 →
E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) →

E967 (Xylitol) is a five-carbon polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of xylose from birch wood or corn cobs. INS 967, ADI is Not Specified, offering 100% 1:1 sugar sweetness, a cooling endothermic mouthfeel, and active inhibition of Streptococcus mutans cavity bacteria.

View full E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

15 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)
Functional Class
Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant) Bulk Sweetener, Anti-Cariogenic Dental Agent, Humectant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987) Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Toxic to dogs warning)
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
— E967
INS / Codex Number
— INS 967
Relative Sweetness Index
— 100% Sucrose (Exact 1:1 sweetness match)
Caloric Value
— 2.4 kcal / g (40% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g
Heat of Solution (Cooling)
— -36.5 cal/g (Strong refreshing cooling mouth sensation) cal/g
Common Target Foods
— Dental chewing gums (Orbit/Trident), sugar-free mints, toothpastes, diabetic baking
Dietary Compliance
— Vegan (Plant birch/corn source), Halal, Kosher, High Canine Toxicity Warning
Safety Approval
— EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.395)

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Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →