Is disodium 5 guanylate vegan?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

While disodium 5'-guanylate can be produced using plant-based sources like tapioca starch or yeast, its origin isn't always vegan-friendly, as it can also be derived from fish. This makes it a tricky ingredient for many following a strict plant-based diet, requiring careful label reading to ensure alignment with their values.

Quick Summary

Disodium 5'-guanylate's vegan status depends entirely on its source, which can be plant-based (yeast, fungi) or animal-derived (fish). Since manufacturers are not required to specify the origin, verification is necessary for vegan consumers. The ingredient is a flavor enhancer, often combined with MSG, and requires label scrutiny or direct contact with the producer to confirm its vegan suitability.

Key Points

Source Varies: Disodium 5'-guanylate can be derived from either plant-based sources like yeast and tapioca, or animal-based sources like fish.
Check Labels and Certification: The only way to know for sure if a product's E627 is vegan is to look for official vegan certification on the packaging.
'Natural Flavors' May be Ambiguous: The ingredient can sometimes be hidden within the term 'natural flavors' or 'yeast extract,' making verification difficult without contacting the manufacturer.
Associated with I+G (E635): Disodium 5'-guanylate is often combined with disodium inosinate (E631) to create E635, and both can come from animal sources.
Direct Contact is Best: If certification is absent, contacting the product's manufacturer is the most reliable way to confirm the ingredient's origin.
Natural Alternatives Exist: You can use natural ingredients like dried mushrooms, nutritional yeast, or soy sauce to achieve a similar umami flavor.

What is Disodium 5'-Guanylate?

Disodium 5'-guanylate (E627) is a common food additive that functions as a flavor enhancer, intensifying the savory 'umami' taste in processed foods. It is a salt derived from guanosine monophosphate (GMP), a nucleotide that occurs naturally in both plants and animals. Due to its relatively high cost, it is most often used synergistically with other flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG) or disodium inosinate (E631), where the combination (known as I+G or E635) creates a more potent umami effect. This widespread use in snack foods, instant noodles, sauces, and seasonings means it's an ingredient vegans frequently encounter and must scrutinize.

The Dual Origin of Disodium 5'-Guanylate

The complexity of determining if disodium 5'-guanylate is vegan lies in its varied production methods. It is not exclusively plant-derived or animal-derived, leaving a gray area for consumers. Its production can be achieved in three primary ways:

Plant-Based Fermentation: Many manufacturers produce the guanosine needed for disodium 5'-guanylate through microbial fermentation, using plant-based feedstocks such as tapioca starch, beet molasses, or sugar cane. This method is the most reliable for vegan sources, and products using this origin are suitable for plant-based diets.
Natural Extraction (Plant-Based): GMP naturally occurs in certain plants, most notably shiitake mushrooms, and is also found in yeast. Extraction from these sources is also considered vegan. The presence of 'yeast extract' on an ingredient list can sometimes indicate the presence of disodium 5'-guanylate.
Natural Extraction (Animal-Based): Crucially for vegans, disodium 5'-guanylate can also be extracted from animal sources. A common source is dried fish, such as sardines. While this may be less common today, it remains a possibility and is a key reason for caution.

Navigating Labels: When is it Safe for Vegans?

Because food labels are not always required to specify the origin of ingredients like disodium 5'-guanylate, consumers must be vigilant. Here are the most effective strategies for navigating product labels:

Look for Vegan Certification: The most straightforward approach is to look for official vegan or vegetarian certification marks from reputable organizations. This is a definitive confirmation that the product's ingredients, including E627, are sourced without animal products.
Check for 'Natural Flavors': Be aware that disodium 5'-guanylate can sometimes be listed under the umbrella term 'natural flavors'. This makes it virtually impossible to know the origin without further investigation. If a product contains 'natural flavors' and is not specifically labeled vegan, proceed with caution.
Scrutinize Associated Ingredients: Since disodium 5'-guanylate is often paired with disodium inosinate (E631), checking for both is wise. Disodium inosinate is also a flavor enhancer that can be derived from animal sources (pigs, fish). If a product contains the combination E635 (I+G) and isn't certified vegan, the risk of non-vegan sourcing is high.
Contact the Manufacturer: When in doubt, the most reliable method is to contact the food manufacturer directly. Inquire about the specific sourcing of their disodium 5'-guanylate. Some companies will readily provide this information, while others may be unable or unwilling to disclose their suppliers.

Identifying Vegan and Non-Vegan Sources


Feature	Vegan-Friendly Disodium 5'-Guanylate	Potentially Non-Vegan Disodium 5'-Guanylate
Sourcing	Fermentation using tapioca starch, beet molasses, or sugar cane; extraction from mushrooms or yeast.	Extraction from dried fish or meat sources.
Labeling	Found in products with official 'Vegan' or 'Vegetarian' certification. May be listed as 'Yeast Extract' in some contexts.	Found in products without vegan labeling, or where the source is not specified. Often accompanied by other potentially non-vegan ingredients like disodium inosinate (E631).
Confirmation	Manufacturer confirms plant-based sourcing upon request, or the product is certified vegan.	Manufacturer cannot or will not confirm the source, or admits to animal-based origin.
Certainty	High certainty, especially with certification.	Low certainty; always requires investigation.

Vegan-Friendly Alternatives to Disodium 5'-Guanylate

For vegans who prefer to avoid the uncertainty or additives altogether, several natural alternatives can provide a similar umami flavor profile:

Nutritional Yeast: Often referred to as 'nooch,' this deactivated yeast provides a savory, cheese-like flavor.
Dried Mushrooms: Especially dried shiitake mushrooms, which are naturally rich in guanylates and can be used in powder form to add a deep, earthy umami.
Soy Sauce and Tamari: These fermented soy products add a salty, umami kick to a variety of dishes.
Miso Paste: A paste made from fermented soybeans, miso is a fantastic way to introduce a complex, savory flavor to sauces, soups, and dressings.
Kombu: This edible kelp, often used in Japanese cuisine, is a natural source of glutamates and a perfect base for umami-rich broths.

Conclusion: A Matter of Diligence, Not Assumption

To conclude, is disodium 5'-guanylate vegan? The answer is not a simple yes or no. The ingredient itself is a chemical compound, but its origin can be either plant or animal-based, meaning its vegan status is entirely dependent on the specific product and manufacturer. For vegans, assuming it is always plant-based is a mistake. The only way to be certain is to look for clear vegan certification or to contact the manufacturer for clarification. For those who prefer to err on the side of caution or simply avoid additives, utilizing natural umami boosters like mushrooms, yeast, and fermented soy products is the safest bet. Conscious consumers must remain vigilant and informed to ensure their dietary choices align with their ethical principles.

For more information on navigating vegan ingredients, consult resources from organizations such as the Vegetarian Resource Group, which offers guidance on tricky additives like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disodium 5'-guanylate is a salt derived from guanosine monophosphate (GMP), used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods to add a savory or 'umami' taste.

No, E627 is not always vegan. Its vegan status depends on whether it was produced using plant-based sources (like tapioca starch or yeast) or animal-based sources (like fish).

The most reliable methods are to check for a product's official vegan certification, or to contact the manufacturer and ask about the specific sourcing of their E627.

Historically and sometimes still today, disodium 5'-guanylate can be extracted from animal sources, such as dried fish, particularly sardines.

Yes, it can sometimes be included under the vague label 'natural flavors.' It is also often used in combination with disodium inosinate (E631), a mixture known as disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635).

Yes, many natural ingredients can provide an umami flavor, such as dried shiitake mushroom powder, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and miso paste.

Combining disodium 5'-guanylate with MSG or disodium inosinate (E631) creates a synergistic effect that amplifies the umami flavor far more powerfully than any of the ingredients used alone.