Monosodium Glutamate (E621)

Monosodium Glutamate

Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid abundant in foods like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. In the food industry, it enhances savory flavors as a flavor potentiator, reduces salt usage in low-sodium products, and balances taste in processed foods without adding bitterness. It amplifies umami in soups, snacks, and seasonings for broader appeal.

Food Industry Applications

• Snacks: Boosts savory taste in chips, crackers, and extruded products for enhanced mouthfeel.

• Soups and Sauces: Intensifies flavor in instant noodles, gravies, and condiments without overpowering saltiness.

• Processed Meats: Improves juiciness and taste in sausages, burgers, and canned meats.

• Dairy Products: Enhances creaminess in cheeses, dips, and powdered mixes.

• Beverages: Adds depth to broth-based drinks and seasoning packets.

Other Industry Applications

In cosmetics, it conditions hair in shampoos; in detergents, it sequesters minerals for better cleaning; in agriculture, it chelates nutrients in fertilizers; in animal feed, it improves palatability.