Comparing E621 - Monosodium glutamate vs E639 - DL-alanine

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Overview

E621 - Monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), also known as E621, is a flavor enhancer that adds a savory “umami” taste to foods. It has been used in packaged and restaurant foods for decades and is considered safe by major regulators when used as intended.

E639 - DL-alanine

DL-alanine (E639) is the racemic form of the amino acid alanine used as a flavor enhancer and flavoring in foods. It brings a light, natural sweetness and helps round out savory or acidic notes without adding much taste of its own. On labels you may see it listed as DL-alanine or E639.

Synonyms

E621

Monosodium glutamate

monosodium l-glutamate

Sodium glutamate

L-Glutamic acid‚ monosodium salt

MSG

E639

DL-alanine

DL alanine

Functions

flavour enhancer

Origins

Plant

Microbiological

Synthetic

Products

Found in 9,893 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#2195.5K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#420100 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×2.89

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

Is msg bad for you?
No—MSG (E621) is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and permitted in the EU within limits; most people don’t experience adverse effects at typical food levels. A small subset may have short-lived symptoms (like headache or flushing) after large bolus intakes, and it contributes some sodium.
What is msg in food?
MSG is monosodium glutamate, the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid, used as a flavor enhancer to add umami and intensify savory taste. It’s the same form of glutamate found naturally in foods like tomatoes and cheese.
What is msg made of?
It’s the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid, typically produced by fermenting plant sugars (e.g., sugarcane, sugar beet, or corn starch) with microbes, then neutralizing the glutamic acid with sodium. The result is purified crystals of monosodium glutamate.
Why is msg bad for you?
It isn’t considered “bad” at normal intakes—regulators deem it safe, and EFSA set a group ADI for glutamates of 30 mg/kg body weight/day to limit high exposures. Some people may experience transient symptoms after large doses, and it can add to overall sodium intake if overused.
Is msg bad?
No—MSG (E621) is considered safe at normal food levels (FDA GRAS; EFSA sets an acceptable daily intake of 30 mg/kg body weight/day), and well-controlled studies haven’t shown consistent harms. A small subset of people may get brief symptoms like headache or flushing after large doses, especially on an empty stomach, and it does add some sodium, but typical culinary use is fine for most.