Ingredient
Is Monosodium Glutamate Real Food?
Approved
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in many foods. It’s produced commercially through fermentation, similar to how yogurt or soy sauce is made.
Why it’s in your food
The manufacturer’s reason.
MSG is used as a flavor enhancer to boost and balance savory, umami tastes in foods, making dishes taste richer and more satisfying.
Community scan data
How it shows up in the wild.
Found in 1 productwe’ve analyzed.
1
Rated Clean
0
Caution
0
Flagged
Where to find it
Products containing Monosodium Glutamate.
1 product in our database.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Where can glutamate be found naturally?▾
Glutamate is abundant in a variety of natural foods. You'll find it in ripened tomatoes, mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, aged meats, and even in breast milk, contributing to their inherent savory taste.
How is commercial MSG typically produced?▾
Today, commercial MSG is primarily produced through a fermentation process using bacteria that convert carbohydrates, like starch or molasses, into glutamic acid. This acid is then neutralized with sodium to form monosodium glutamate.
What does 'umami' mean in relation to MSG?▾
'Umami' is often described as the fifth basic taste, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. MSG specifically enhances this savory, brothy, or meaty flavor, providing a pleasant depth to foods.
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