E621 - Monosodium glutamate
By the Daat team · Updated October 30, 2026
E621 is monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour enhancer that gives a savoury, umami taste. It is not gluten.
Glutamate occurs naturally in tomatoes, parmesan and mushrooms, and that is the taste it adds: a savoury depth. Industrial MSG is made by fermentation, much like yoghurt or vinegar.
Despite the similar name, glutamate and gluten are completely different things. Avoiding gluten is no reason to avoid E621.
Our catalog has it in about 430 products, most of all in meat products, then snacks and soup powders. It often comes together with E627 and E631.
E621 at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Monosodium glutamate |
| Also listed as | MSG |
| Function | Flavour enhancer |
| Origin | Plant, mineral or synthetic |
| Vegan / vegetarian | Yes / Yes |
Is E621 vegan?
Yes. E621 has no animal source, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians.