E621 Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

E621Flavor enhancersOrigin: Fermented

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made by fermentation; no animal ingredients.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

Halal-certified versions are widely available.

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

MSG (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."

85/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE621

Comes fromFermented

What it doesFlavor enhancers

Glycemic index—

Daily limit30 mg/kg

Also calledMSG, Monosodium glutamate

Cook with umami at home

For your pantry

Food-grade pouch

Pure MSG seasoning (1 lb)

A pinch goes a long way in soups and stir-fries.

Shop MSG Opens your country’s Amazon store

Natural umami

Dried kombu kelp

The original source of glutamate in Japanese cooking.

Shop kombu Opens your country’s Amazon store

Natural umami

Dried shiitake mushrooms

Rich in natural glutamates.

Shop shiitake Opens your country’s Amazon store

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes our ratings.

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US. In 2017 EFSA set a group limit of 30 mg per kg of body weight for glutamates, noting some people may go over it.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

2.1 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 30 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 600 mg a day.

What is it?

MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate, the amino acid behind savory umami taste. Your body treats glutamate from MSG and from tomatoes the same way.

Where it comes from: Made by fermenting corn starch, sugar beets or sugarcane with bacteria, much like yogurt or vinegar.

Why it’s in food

Boosts savory flavor in chips and soups
Lets companies use less salt (MSG has a third of salt's sodium)
Rounds out flavor in stocks and sauces

Often found in

Chips and snacksInstant noodlesSoup and stock cubesSeasoning blendsFrozen meals

Also listed as: MSG, Monosodium glutamate, Sodium glutamate, Ajinomoto, Glutamic acid sodium salt

Health & gut impact

"MSG symptom complex"Concern

Controlled double-blind studies have not reliably reproduced headaches or flushing at normal doses.

Obayashi & Nagamura, J. Headache Pain (2016)

SodiumBenefit

Swapping some salt for MSG can cut sodium by up to 37% without losing flavor.

Halim et al., Foods (2020)

What can I use instead?

Kombu (kelp)

Ratio: A 2-inch strip per pot

Best for: Broths and stews

Shiitake or tomato paste

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Sauces and soups

Parmesan rind

Ratio: One rind per pot

Best for: Soups

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 Disodium 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 safe

Common questions

Is MSG safe?

Generally safe (85/100). GRAS in the US. In 2017 EFSA set a group limit of 30 mg per kg of body weight for glutamates, noting some people may go over it.

Is MSG vegan?

Yes. Made by fermentation; no animal ingredients.

Is MSG gluten-free?

Yes.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 182.1 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E621
Obayashi & Nagamura, J. Headache Pain (2016)
Halim et al., Foods (2020)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 621 · CAS 142-47-2