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E622Flavor enhancerLow concern
Monopotassium Glutamate
In plain words
The short version
The potassium salt of glutamate — a low-sodium alternative to MSG.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
JECFA's group ADI for glutamic acid and its salts is 'not specified' (1987), meaning no numerical limit. In 2017 EFSA set a group ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight per day for glutamic acid and its salts (E620–E625), expressed as glutamic acid. Same safety profile as MSG. The potassium contribution can matter for patients with kidney disease or those on potassium-sparing medications.
The detail
Produced by neutralizing glutamic acid with potassium hydroxide instead of the more common sodium hydroxide. Used in products targeting reduced sodium content.
Found in low-sodium soups, broths, and seasoning blends where MSG's sodium content would conflict with the reduced-sodium claim. Provides identical umami flavor enhancement to MSG.
White crystalline powder, very soluble in water. Provides the same free glutamate ion that activates umami receptors.
Permitted globally. EU labelling required.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Re-evaluation of glutamic acid (E 620) and glutamates including potassium glutamate (E 622), EFSA Journal 15(7):e04910 (2017), doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4910 — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2017. EFSA group ADI 30 mg/kg bw/day
- JECFA evaluation summary — Monopotassium L-glutamate (INS 622), group ADI not specified (1987) — WHO/IPCS INCHEM (JECFA), 1987. JECFA ADI 'not specified'
- 21 CFR 182.1516 — Monopotassium glutamate (GRAS) — US eCFR (Office of the Federal Register / FDA), 2026. US regulatory status
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.