Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)

No E-numberFlavor enhancersOrigin: Plant

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Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made from plant protein.

Gluten-freeDepends

Often made from wheat. Gluten-free only if made from soy or corn; check the source on the label.

Full answer ›

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) is a savory, brothy flavoring made by breaking down soy, corn or wheat protein. It contains natural glutamate, so it works like MSG, and it may contain wheat.

66/100

Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberNone

Comes fromPlant

What it doesFlavor enhancers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledHydrolyzed vegetable protein, Hydrolysed vegetable protein

Savory flavor without HVP

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Organic bouillon cubes

Stock made from vegetables and herbs, with no hydrolyzed protein.

Shop organic bouillon Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Dried porcini mushroom powder

Natural umami for soups and rubs.

Shop mushroom powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

Health store

Gluten-free tamari

Brewed soy sauce without wheat for savory depth.

Shop tamari Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionNot evaluated as an additive

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Sold as a food ingredient, not an additive. US labels must name the source, such as "hydrolyzed soy protein," and products with it can't claim "no MSG." The EU caps the contaminant 3-MCPD in it at 20 µg per kg.

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

What is it?

HVP is protein broken into its building blocks, including glutamate, which tastes meaty and savory. It's been used since the 1800s in soup cubes and seasonings, and it's one of the ways "no added MSG" foods still taste rich.

Where it comes from: Soy, corn or wheat protein is broken into amino acids, usually by boiling it in acid, then neutralized and dried.

Why it’s in food

Adds a savory, meaty flavor
Boosts flavor in soups and bouillon
Replaces MSG on labels
Seasons chips, crackers and gravies

Often found in

Bouillon cubes and soup mixesInstant noodlesGravy and sauce mixesPotato chips and crackersSeasoning blendsCanned soups

Also listed as: Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Hydrolysed vegetable protein, HVP, Hydrolyzed plant protein, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Hydrolyzed corn protein, Acid-hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Hydrolyzed soy and corn protein

Health & gut impact

3-MCPDUnder study

Acid processing can form 3-MCPD, a possible human carcinogen. The EU limits it, and modern processes cut it sharply.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915

GlutamateUnder study

It contains free glutamate, the same compound as MSG. The FDA bars "no MSG" claims on foods that contain it.

FDA, Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

What can I use instead?

Yeast extract

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Soups and seasonings

Mushroom powder

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Gravies and rubs

Is it gluten-free?

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 Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) E621MSG (E621) is a fermented seasoning with the same glutamate found in tomatoes and parmesan. It's vegan, gluten-free and considered safe; studies haven't confirmed the "MSG headache."Generally safe Yeast extractYeast extract is a savory flavoring made from yeast that tastes like broth. It contains natural glutamate, the same flavor as MSG, so it's how many "no MSG" foods get their umami. It's safe and vegan.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Hydrolyzed vegetable protein safe?

Use in moderation (66/100). Sold as a food ingredient, not an additive. US labels must name the source, such as "hydrolyzed soy protein," and products with it can't claim "no MSG." The EU caps the contaminant 3-MCPD in it at 20 µg per kg.

Is Hydrolyzed vegetable protein vegan?

Yes. Made from plant protein.

Is Hydrolyzed vegetable protein gluten-free?

Depends. Often made from wheat. Gluten-free only if made from soy or corn; check the source on the label.

Is hydrolyzed vegetable protein the same as MSG?

No, but it contains glutamate, the flavor compound in MSG. It's also full of other amino acids and salts.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 102.22 (US FDA)
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915
FDA, Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026