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Monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a crystalline seasoning used to add savoury umami taste to food.

Monosodium glutamate — illustrative ingredient image

About Monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate, usually called MSG, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. It is a standalone crystalline seasoning used to add savoury umami taste. A published chili crisp recipe, for example, lists MSG as an optional ingredient alongside salt and other seasonings.

Commercial MSG is commonly made by fermentation and then isolated as a seasoning. It should be distinguished from a mixed seasoning powder and from foods that naturally contain glutamate. The name identifies the compound, but the amount used in a dish still depends on the recipe.

Ingredient type
derived ingredient

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Where monosodium glutamate appears

0 linked foods

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Food connections are still being added.

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Name examples awaiting language review. Confirm the specific food or product.

Local names for monosodium glutamate

Names and romanised forms to recognise on menus and labels.

English

MSG

Search alias · Not a confirmed translation

Available names only. Languages may be spoken in other countries; a name alone does not identify every ingredient in a dish.

Monosodium glutamate nutrition & diet

Nutrition values for a defined form and edible weight have not been added for monosodium glutamate yet.

Compare pure MSG with a measured record for the same form, not with a mixed seasoning or a finished dish. Sodium and serving calculations require an appropriate product or composition source.

Dietary compatibility

  • Vegan
    Not established
  • Vegetarian
    Not established
  • Pescatarian
    Not established
  • Keto
    Not established
  • Paleo
    Not established
  • Low-carb
    Not established
  • Halal
    Not established
  • Kosher
    Not established

For the plain ingredient · Awaiting review. Diet compatibility is not allergy suitability or halal/kosher certification. Keto and low-carb depend on the portion.

Catalogue notes awaiting reviewIngredient reference · Preparations vary

AI-generated illustration for visual context. It does not identify a particular product or establish allergen content.

Sources & review

Expanded overview, name examples and nutrition notes are database drafts awaiting editorial review. Numeric nutrition values, where shown, have their own source and food-form reference.

Overview references

The ingredient description and dish connections come from the draft catalogue and may change after review.

No verification date is recorded for this ingredient.