E622 Potassium glutamate (Potassium MSG)

E622Flavor enhancersOrigin: Fermented

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The short answer

Potassium glutamate (E622) is a savory flavor booster, the potassium cousin of MSG. It's made by fermentation, so it's vegan and gluten-free, and it carries no sodium.

85/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE622

Comes fromFermented

What it doesFlavor enhancers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledMonopotassium glutamate, Potassium L-glutamate

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada as a flavor enhancer. It is used in low-sodium products where the potassium salt replaces some of the sodium.

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

What is it?

Glutamate is the molecule behind savory, meaty taste. Potassium glutamate delivers the same taste without sodium, so food makers use it in reduced-salt products. The body treats the glutamate the same way it does from any protein food.

Where it comes from: Made by fermenting sugar with bacteria, then converting the glutamic acid into its potassium salt. It works the same way as MSG, with potassium instead of sodium.

Why it’s in food

Adds savory depth in reduced-sodium foods
Boosts meaty flavor in soups
Works in place of MSG in some recipes
Balances bitter notes in sauces

Often found in

Low-sodium soupsSavory seasoningsReduced-salt crispsInstant brothsSauces

Also listed as: Monopotassium glutamate, Potassium L-glutamate, E622

Health & gut impact

Headaches (MSG myth)Concern

Controlled trials have not reliably linked glutamate to headaches, and the potassium form adds no sodium.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

What can I use instead?

Monosodium glutamate

Ratio: 1:1 by weight

Best for: Recipes where sodium is not a concern

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 Glutamic acid E620Glutamic 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.Generally safe

Common questions

Is potassium glutamate the same as MSG?

It is chemically similar. The difference is that it uses potassium instead of sodium, so it adds no sodium.

Is E622 vegan?

Usually yes. It is made by fermenting sugar, but check the label for a vegan claim if you need certainty.

Is Potassium MSG safe?

Generally safe (85/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada as a flavor enhancer. It is used in low-sodium products where the potassium salt replaces some of the sodium.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E622
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

INS 622 · CAS 19473-49-5