E622 · Monopotassium glutamate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Monopotassium glutamate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E622?
Monopotassium glutamate is the potassium salt of glutamic acid, functioning like MSG as a flavor enhancer that adds savory umami taste. It is often used as a reduced-sodium alternative to MSG in seasonings, sauces, and processed foods. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Monopotassium glutamate, Potassium glutamate, K-Glutamate, MPG, E622, E 622, E-622, Food additive monopotassium glutamate, Potassium salt of glutamic acid, Monopotassium L-glutamate, Flavor enhancer E622, Potassium L-glutamate.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- Contributes to potassium intake, which may matter for people with kidney disease or on potassium-restricted diets.
- Some individuals report sensitivity to glutamate additives generally.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on glutamic acid and glutamates added to food — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2017). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of glutamic acid (E 620), monosodium glutamate (E 621), monopotassium glutamate (E 622), and calcium diglutamate (E 623) when used as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these glutamates are used as food additives at the reported use levels.[safe]
- Safety assessment of glutamic acid and its salts for use as food additives — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO Technical Report Series (2019). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) evaluated the safety of glutamic acid (E 620) and its salts including monosodium glutamate (E 621), monopotassium glutamate (E 622), and calcium diglutamate (E 623). The committee concluded that these substances are safe for use as food additives at current levels of consumption and established an ADI of not specified.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E622 safe?
Our overall verdict for E622 (Monopotassium glutamate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E622 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Monopotassium glutamate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E622 and why is it used?
Monopotassium glutamate is the potassium salt of glutamic acid, functioning like MSG as a flavor enhancer that adds savory umami taste. It is often used as a reduced-sodium alternative to MSG in seasonings, sauces, and processed foods. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels.
Does E622 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Monopotassium glutamate, though some people report sensitivity (Self-reported glutamate sensitivity in some individuals.).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.