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Monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate suppliers and sourcing guide

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid. It is made by bacterial fermentation of sugars from starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses; the glutamic acid produced is neutralized with sodium hydroxide, decolorized and crystallized as the monohydrate. It is sold as white crystals in several sizes and used in seasonings, snacks, soups, sauces and processed meats.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
MSG · Sodium L-glutamate · Monosodium L-glutamate monohydrate · E621 · CAS 142-47-2
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of monosodium glutamate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Large crystal

    Coarse needle-shaped crystals, common in retail and foodservice.

  • Regular and fine crystal

    Smaller crystals that blend evenly in seasonings and dry mixes.

  • Powder

    Milled MSG for fine blends and snack coatings.

  • Blends with nucleotides

    MSG premixed with disodium inosinate and guanylate at a stated ratio.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
MSG content by perchloric acid titration on a dry basis, against the Food Chemicals Codex or supplier range.
Specific rotation
Specific rotation, which confirms the L-form.
Loss on drying
Moisture by loss on drying (the monohydrate's water of crystallization is not counted).
pH and clarity
pH of a 5 percent solution and solution clarity or transmittance.
Chloride and lead
Chloride by titration and lead by ICP-MS or AAS against Food Chemicals Codex limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

MSG is stable and not very hygroscopic, but it should still be stored sealed in a cool, dry place to prevent caking and odor pickup. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and is typically long; older stock can be retested for assay and loss on drying.

Lots and expiry dates

MSG is a highly consistent commodity, but crystal size and flow vary by grade and producer. Record grade, crystal size and assay per lot, and keep crystal size consistent in blends where segregation matters.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • FDA's MSG questions and answers page says FDA considers the addition of MSG to foods to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and that it is produced by fermentation of starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses.

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 101.22(h)(5) requires monosodium glutamate used as an ingredient to be declared by its common or usual name, "monosodium glutamate".

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists monosodium glutamate (CAS 142-47-2) with technical effects including flavor enhancer, citing 21 CFR 172.320 and 182.1.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's MSG page says MSG cannot be listed as "spices and flavoring", and other salts of glutamic acid must also be specifically declared.

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Monosodium glutamate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking monosodium glutamate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell monosodium glutamate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of monosodium glutamate can brands buy?

Common forms include large crystal, regular and fine crystal, powder and blends with nucleotides. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for monosodium glutamate include?

Expect assay, specific rotation, loss on drying, pH and clarity and chloride and lead, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should monosodium glutamate be stored?

MSG is stable and not very hygroscopic, but it should still be stored sealed in a cool, dry place to prevent caking and odor pickup. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and is typically long; older stock can be retested for assay and loss on drying.

What is the regulatory status of monosodium glutamate?

FDA's MSG questions and answers page says FDA considers the addition of MSG to foods to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and that it is produced by fermentation of starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses. 21 CFR 101.22(h)(5) requires monosodium glutamate used as an ingredient to be declared by its common or usual name, "monosodium glutamate". FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists monosodium glutamate (CAS 142-47-2) with technical effects including flavor enhancer, citing 21 CFR 172.320 and 182.1. FDA's MSG page says MSG cannot be listed as "spices and flavoring", and other salts of glutamic acid must also be specifically declared.

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