Food grade ingredient · Umami flavour enhancer · INS 621

Food Grade Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Food grade monosodium L-glutamate (MSG), INS 621, is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid used as an umami flavour enhancer in suitable savoury foods and seasoning systems.

CAS number: 6106-04-3
Food additive: INS 621
Formula: C₅H₈NNaO₄·H₂O
Commercial basis: Specification-led

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Product sample: Food Grade Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Product image · confirm grade and packaging when ordering

Share the application, critical limits, test methods, quantity, packing and destination.

GradeFood grade, subject to source qualification

PackingConfirm bag type, net weight and particle-size option

Container loadingConfirm against selected packing and destination

Batch evidenceCurrent specification and COA required

Direct product answer

What is food grade Monosodium Glutamate?

Food grade monosodium L-glutamate (MSG), INS 621, is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid used as an umami flavour enhancer in suitable savoury foods and seasoning systems.

For procurement, “food grade” must be supported by a current source-specific specification, suitable manufacturing and quality documents, and a batch COA. Final use depends on the complete formulation, intended function and destination-market rules.

Procurement snapshot

Product: Monosodium Glutamate
Common name: MSG
Category: Umami flavour enhancer
CAS: 6106-04-3
Food additive: INS 621
Packing: Confirm bag type, net weight and particle-size option

Procurement checklist

How to source food grade Monosodium Glutamate in bulk

Use these qualification points when comparing a China supplier, manufacturer source, distributor offer, bulk quotation or sample.

Identity and purity

Qualify INS 621 identity, sodium glutamate content, rotation, loss on drying, clarity and elemental limits.

Seasoning formulation

Provide seasoning composition, salt level, target flavor profile, particle-size need and mixing process.

Crystal size and packing

State crystal grade or mesh, quantity, packing, destination, certificates and delivery terms.

Dissolution and sensory trials

Evaluate dissolution, particle match, sodium contribution and sensory performance in the complete seasoning.

Application screening

Food grade Monosodium Glutamate applications

These are application-screening areas, not universal approvals or dosage recommendations. Confirm legal use and performance in the finished food.

Seasoning blends

Adds umami impact and can help round out savoury flavor profiles in dry blends.

Soups, broths and sauces

Used in suitable recipes after sensory trials, sodium calculation and label review.

Instant noodles and snacks

May be incorporated into seasoning powders where particle size and blend uniformity are controlled.

Processed savoury foods

Can be evaluated in meat, seafood or vegetable-style formulations subject to market rules.

Supplied technical data

Food grade Monosodium Glutamate reference specification

The following values reproduce the technical information supplied in attachment 9. Particle size is not defined in the source and must be agreed before ordering.

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Monosodium Glutamate — attachment 9 procurement reference
Test item	Supplied reference
Sodium glutamate	≥ 99%
Particle size	Not specified in source
Transmittance	≥ 98%
Specific rotation [alpha]D20	+24.90 to +25.30
Loss on drying	≤ 1%
pH	6.7–7.5
Iron	≤ 5 ppm
Sulfate	≤ 0.05%
Arsenic	≤ 0.5 ppm
Lead	≤ 1 ppm
Zinc	≤ 5 mg/kg

Data note: The attachment shows particle size only as “***”. Specify mesh, crystal size distribution or visual grade as a contractual requirement if it matters to dosing, dissolution or appearance.

Technical selection

Questions to resolve before approving Monosodium Glutamate

Particle size

Define fine, regular or coarse crystal requirements using an agreed sieve method.

Flavor target

Run sensory trials in the finished recipe; MSG is not a substitute for balanced formulation.

Sodium accounting

Include MSG sodium contribution when reviewing nutrition and formulation targets.

Identity and purity

Check specific rotation, transmittance and impurity results on the current COA.

Qualification support

Documents and evidence to request

Product documents

Request the current signed specification or TDS, SDS, test methods, representative COA and batch COA.

Food-grade selection requirements

Verify applicable food-safety, quality, Kosher, Halal and site documents for the exact grade and source.

Official identity reference

Review the FAO/JECFA monosodium L-glutamate record, then apply destination-market rules to the exact finished food.

Storage and handling

Protect Monosodium Glutamate in storage

EnvironmentStore in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area in accordance with the current SDS.
MoistureKeep containers tightly closed and protect packaging from water, humidity, contamination and damage.
ControlsUse food-ingredient hygiene, lot traceability and stock rotation appropriate to the supplied shelf life.

Buyer questions

Food grade Monosodium Glutamate FAQ

What is INS 621?

INS 621 is monosodium L-glutamate, commonly called MSG. It is used as an umami flavor enhancer in permitted savory food applications; E621 is the corresponding European designation.

Is MSG the same as table salt?

No. MSG is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, while table salt is sodium chloride. Their taste and composition differ, so salt-reduction work requires sensory testing and a calculation for the complete recipe.

Which MSG crystal size should buyers choose?

Select crystal size against dry-blend particle matching, dosing, dissolution and appearance requirements. The reference specification on this page does not define particle size; agree it explicitly with the source.

What documents should buyers request?

Request the current signed specification, analytical methods and representative and batch COAs. Confirm identity, assay, specific rotation, clarity and the relevant impurity limits for the selected grade.

What should an MSG RFQ include?

Provide the seasoning or food application, crystal-size requirement, target standard and critical limits, quantity, packing, destination, certificates and delivery terms.

Content updated 2026-09-13.

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