E620 Glutamic acid

E620Flavor enhancersOrigin: Fermented

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Every diet

VeganYes

Made by fermentation; no animal ingredients.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Glutamic acid (E620) is the amino acid behind the savory taste of MSG. Made by fermentation, it is safe in food and is common in protein, though it is rarely sold on its own.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE620

Comes fromFermented

What it doesFlavor enhancers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledGlutamic acid, L-glutamic acid

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Generally recognized as safe in the US as a flavor ingredient. The EU lists it among flavor enhancers for limited uses. EFSA's 2017 glutamates opinion covers glutamic acid and its salts under one group limit of 30 mg per kg of body weight a day.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Glutamic acid tastes savory on its own and is the acid form of the salts used in flavor blends. In food it works as a seasoning. Your body makes it, and it is also found in cheese, tomatoes and meat.

Where it comes from: Made by fermenting sugar beet or corn sugar with bacteria, then purifying the amino acid. Your body makes it too, and it is one of the most common amino acids in protein.

Why it’s in food

Boosts savory flavor
Rounds out soup and stock bases
Adds umami to snacks
Pairs with salt to cut sodium

Often found in

Savory snack seasoningSoup and stock basesInstant noodle flavor packetsSeasoning blendsReady meals

Also listed as: Glutamic acid, L-glutamic acid, Glutamate acid, Glutamic acid (free acid)

Health & gut impact

Umami flavorBenefit

Glutamate is the natural source of the savory taste in aged cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms. Food makers use it to match that taste.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

Group limitUnder study

EFSA set one daily limit for glutamic acid and its salts. Heavy users of savory snacks and stock cubes can exceed it.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

Savory flavor without the flavor blend

For your pantry

Pantry staple

Dried shiitake mushrooms

Naturally rich in glutamate, with no added seasoning.

Shop dried shiitake Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry staple

Nutritional yeast

A cheesy, savory flake for popcorn and sauces.

Shop nutritional yeast Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean grocery swap

Low-sodium soy sauce

Brewed soy adds savory depth to stir-fries.

Shop low sodium soy sauce Opens your country’s Amazon store

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

What can I use instead?

Mushroom powder

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Savory cooking at home

Nutritional yeast

Ratio: 1 tablespoon

Best for: Cheesy, savory flavor

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 Disodium ribonucleotides (I+G) E635Disodium ribonucleotides (E635) are a 50/50 mix of two flavor boosters that make MSG taste much stronger. They're safe for most people, but their source isn't always vegan or halal.Generally safe Glycine E640Glycine (E640) is the smallest amino acid, and it adds a faintly sweet, savory note to flavor blends. It is one of the safest additives on the list.Generally safe

Common questions

Is glutamic acid the same as MSG?

No. MSG (E621) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is the acid form, and it is mostly used to build flavor blends.

Is Glutamic acid safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Generally recognized as safe in the US as a flavor ingredient. The EU lists it among flavor enhancers for limited uses. EFSA's 2017 glutamates opinion covers glutamic acid and its salts under one group limit of 30 mg per kg of body weight a day.

Is Glutamic acid vegan?

Yes. Made by fermentation; no animal ingredients.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E620
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

INS 620 · CAS 56-86-0