My diet:

E635 Disodium ribonucleotides (I+G)

E635Flavor enhancersOrigin: Plant or animal
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Every diet

VeganDepends

Usually 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.

Full answer ›
KosherDepends

Depends on the source.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Disodium ribonucleotides (E635) are a 50/50 mix of two flavor boosters that make MSG taste much stronger. They're safe for most people, but their source isn't always vegan or halal.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE635
Comes fromPlant or animal
What it doesFlavor enhancers
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledDisodium ribonucleotides, Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides

Find savory snacks you know are vegan

Plant-based picks
Certified vegan

Vegan-certified chips

Certified plant-based, so every flavor booster is covered.

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Pantry staple

Dried shiitake mushrooms

Naturally rich in guanylate for deep, savory broths.

Shop dried shiitake Opens your country’s Amazon store
Certified vegan

Vegan bouillon

Savory stock cubes made without meat or fish.

Shop vegan bouillon Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Allowed in the US, EU and Canada without a daily limit. In the EU, ribonucleotides aren't allowed in foods made for babies and young children.

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

What is it?

E635 combines disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). Together with glutamate, they create a much stronger savory taste than either alone, so manufacturers can use less MSG.

Where it comes from: A mix of disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate. Usually made by fermentation, but it can be made from meat or fish.

Why it’s in food

  • Multiplies the savory taste of MSG
  • Makes chips and crackers taste meatier
  • Boosts flavor in instant noodles and soups
  • Lets brands cut MSG or salt

Often found in

Flavored chips and crackersInstant noodlesSoup and bouillon cubesSeasoning mixesSnack crackersFrozen meals

Also listed as: Disodium ribonucleotides, Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides, Disodium 5-ribonucleotides, Sodium ribonucleotides, Ribonucleotides, I+G

Health & gut impact

GoutUnder study

Ribonucleotides break down into purines, which raise uric acid. People with gout are often told to limit them.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2014)

General safetyConcern

At the tiny amounts used, they add little to the purines already in food.

JECFA evaluation of 5'-ribonucleotides (WHO)

What can I use instead?

Dried shiitake mushrooms

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Soups and broths

Yeast extract

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Snacks and seasonings

Related

Is it halal?

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 safeDisodium Inosinate E631Disodium 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.Generally safeHydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) is a savory, brothy flavoring made by breaking down soy, corn or wheat protein. It contains natural glutamate, so it works like MSG, and it may contain wheat.Use in moderationMonosodium 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 ribonucleotides safe?

Generally safe (85/100). Allowed in the US, EU and Canada without a daily limit. In the EU, ribonucleotides aren't allowed in foods made for babies and young children.

Is Disodium ribonucleotides vegan?

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

Is Disodium ribonucleotides gluten-free?

Yes.

Is disodium ribonucleotides the same as MSG?

No. It's a different flavor enhancer that's usually used alongside MSG to make it taste stronger.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E635
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2014)
  • JECFA evaluation of 5'-ribonucleotides (WHO)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 635 · CAS 80702-47-2