E622: Monopotassium Glutamate
Main role: flavor enhancement
Also listed as: potassium glutamate, MPG
What is E622 (Monopotassium Glutamate)?
Monopotassium glutamate is the potassium salt of glutamic acid. It provides savory flavor enhancement and differs from monosodium glutamate in its mineral counterion.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is flavor enhancement. Flavor enhancement changes how a recipe tastes. It does not replace the food’s protein, vegetables, or other nutrients. Salt and other seasonings may still be present, so compare the complete label.
Food and formulation examples
- Savory seasoning blends
- Soups
- Reduced-sodium formulations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E622, E 622, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium glutamate, MPG. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Replacing a sodium salt with a potassium salt changes the mineral contribution. The label and serving size are still needed to understand total sodium and potassium.
Is E622 safe?
EFSA’s 2017 review set a group intake limit and identified potential exceedance in some population groups. EFSA glutamate assessment (2017).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E622 as Monopotassium glutamate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.