It is similar to disodium inosinate, also known as disodium 5’-inosinate, which comes from another nucleotide, inosine monophosphate (IMP). Disodium guanylate is a food additive with the E number E627. It is commonly used in conjunction with glutamic acid.
It may be safely used as a flavor enhancer in foods, at a level not in excess of that reasonably required to produce the intended effect.
Disodium guanylate is made through the fermentation of a variety of vegetables, most often tapioca starch or seaweed. It can be listed on a food label as "natural flavors," making it difficult to tell if a product contains this additive.
Disodium guanylate is added to a wide range of processed foods. These include prepackaged cereals, sauces, canned soups, instant noodles, snack foods, pasta products, spice blends, cured meats, energy drinks, and canned vegetables.
Disodium guanylate – flavor enhancer
