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E622Caution

Monopotassium glutamate

Group: Flavour enhancers

Harm level3 of 5In moderation

In plain words

Monopotassium glutamate is the potassium version of MSG and gives food an umami taste. It is used mainly in reduced-salt foods, seasonings and soup mixes.

Where you find it: instant soups, crisps, stock cubes, seasoning mixes

Our recommendation

We recommend limiting it; if you react to it, read labels carefully.

Possible risks and effects

  • Sensitive people report headache, nausea or palpitations after larger doses; controlled studies support this only weakly.
  • The strong savoury taste may encourage overeating ultra-processed foods.
  • On a prescribed potassium restriction (kidney disease), count its potassium.

For experts

The potassium salt of glutamic acid, acting like E621 and also used to replace sodium. EFSA assessed it in 2017 with E620–E625 and set a group ADI expressed as glutamic acid.

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More from this group

This information is educational and based on EFSA assessments and available studies; it does not replace medical advice. With allergies, intolerances or illness, follow your doctor’s advice.