Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Flavor Enhancer

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) at a glance

Category: Flavor Enhancer
Also called: Monosodium Glutamate, E621, Sodium Glutamate
Commonly found in: Canned soups, Snack foods, Instant noodles, Processed meats
Diets reviewed: 26 diets

What is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?

Monosodium Glutamate, often referred to as MSG, is a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid. It is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including soups, snacks, and restaurant dishes. MSG works by stimulating the umami taste receptors on the tongue, providing a savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of food. While MSG is generally recognized as safe by food safety authorities, it can be derived from various sources, including corn, which may be a concern for those with corn allergies or sensitivities.

Also known as:

Monosodium GlutamateE621Sodium Glutamate

Diet Compatibility

Corn FreeCaution

MSG is a natural flavoring agent used to enhance the taste of foods. This ingredient may include corn. Please contact the manufacturer for details.

Alpha-Gal FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Alphagal diet.

Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

Low FODMAPSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fodmap diet.

Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

VeganSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegan diet.

VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Some people avoid MSG due to reported sensitivity reactions, which may include headaches, flushing, and sweating. Additionally, those with corn allergies or sensitivities may need to avoid MSG unless they confirm the source of the ingredient, as it can be derived from corn. Despite these concerns, MSG is considered safe for the general population by health authorities like the FDA.

Potential Reactions

Headache
Flushing
Sweating
Nausea

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Canned soups Snack foods Instant noodles Processed meats Restaurant foods

Browse products that match your diet.

Explore Products

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

Take the Guesswork Out of Grocery Shopping

Join thousands who use Spoonful to find foods that match their dietary needs.

Get Spoonful — It's Free

Scan Foods with Spoonful