E631 Disodium Inosinate

E631Flavor enhancersOrigin: Plant or animal

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

Often from fermentation, but can come from meat or fish. Only a vegan label confirms it.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalDepends

Depends on whether it came from fermentation, fish or meat.

KosherDepends

Depends on the source.

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Disodium inosinate (E631) boosts savory flavor, usually alongside MSG. It's often made by fermentation but can come from meat or fish, so it's only reliably vegan when labeled.

85/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE631

Comes fromPlant or animal

What it doesFlavor enhancers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledDisodium inosinate, Sodium inosinate

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no numerical daily limit.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Inosinate is a nucleotide that multiplies the savory taste of glutamate. It is almost always paired with disodium guanylate as "I+G".

Where it comes from: Usually made by fermenting sugar with bacteria, but it can also be extracted from meat or fish (especially sardines).

Why it’s in food

Multiplies the umami effect of MSG
Adds meaty depth to snacks and noodles

Often found in

ChipsInstant noodlesBouillonSeasoning mixes

Also listed as: Disodium inosinate, Sodium inosinate, Disodium 5'-inosinate, IMP

Health & gut impact

GoutUnder study

It's a purine. People with gout may want to limit it.

EFSA Journal 2010;8(1):1431

What can I use instead?

Dried shiitake

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Soups and sauces

Nutritional yeast

Ratio: 1–2 tbsp

Best for: Vegan savory flavor

More flavor enhancers:

Disodium Guanylate E627Disodium guanylate (E627) is a savory booster used with MSG. It's usually made from yeast, but can come from fish, so check for a vegan label.Generally safe Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) E621MSG (E621) is a fermented seasoning with the same glutamate found in tomatoes and parmesan. It's vegan, gluten-free and considered safe; studies haven't confirmed the "MSG headache."Generally safe

Common questions

Is Disodium Inosinate safe?

Generally safe (85/100). Approved everywhere with no numerical daily limit.

Is Disodium Inosinate vegan?

Depends. Often from fermentation, but can come from meat or fish. Only a vegan label confirms it.

Is Disodium Inosinate gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 172.535 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E631
EFSA Journal 2010;8(1):1431

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 631 · CAS 4691-65-0