Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Global Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market to Reach US$7.5 Billion by 2030

The global market for Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) estimated at US$5.5 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$7.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Offline Distribution Channel, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 5.0% CAGR and reach US$5.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Online Distribution Channel segment is estimated at 6.0% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.4 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.7% CAGR

The Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.4 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$2.2 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% and 4.4% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.1% CAGR.

Global Monosodium Glutamate Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), widely recognized as a flavor enhancer, has evolved from being a controversial food additive to a staple ingredient in the global processed food industry. Once criticized due to misconceptions about health impacts, MSG has witnessed a resurgence, largely due to clarifications from health authorities like the FDA and WHO that support its safety in moderate consumption. As dietary habits continue to shift toward convenience and global palates lean toward umami-rich experiences, MSG’s role in food formulation has strengthened. In regions such as Asia-Pacific, MSG has long been a culinary mainstay, but adoption in North America and Europe is now accelerating as processed food consumption, global cuisine exposure, and demand for umami-rich flavors rise steadily. This resurgence is also being fueled by increasing consumer demand for low-sodium products, as MSG enables sodium reduction without compromising taste.

Moreover, rising urbanization, growing working populations, and the expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and ready-to-eat meals have been critical in pushing MSG into new food applications. In addition to its flavor-enhancing properties, MSG provides cost efficiencies in food production by reducing the need for expensive natural flavoring ingredients. Technological advancements in fermentation-based production processes have improved the quality, consistency, and scalability of MSG manufacturing, allowing suppliers to meet rising demand without compromising on safety and purity. China remains the largest producer and exporter of MSG, supported by a well-integrated value chain, but emerging producers in Southeast Asia and India are increasingly contributing to global supply. The integration of MSG in food innovation, especially in plant-based and meat-alternative products, is another driver as food scientists seek to replicate the savory richness of meat in vegetarian formats.

How Is Consumer Behavior Reshaping MSG’s Market Path?

Consumer perception around MSG is evolving positively, primarily due to increased transparency in food labeling and proactive educational efforts from food companies and industry bodies. While the term “MSG” once evoked negative associations, modern consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z—are exhibiting a more open mindset, guided by science-backed nutritional data and awareness of MSG’s natural origins (it’s derived from glutamic acid, which occurs naturally in foods like tomatoes and cheese). The shift toward umami-based flavor profiles in gourmet cooking, fusion cuisines, and health-conscious culinary experimentation is also helping rehabilitate MSG’s image.

In tandem, clean-label product strategies are influencing the inclusion of MSG alternatives such as yeast extracts and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, but MSG itself remains highly favored in industrial applications for its consistent functionality and taste impact. Retailers and food service providers are adapting by clearly communicating the scientific consensus on MSG safety, often integrating it within broader narratives around ingredient transparency, authenticity, and taste enhancement. There is a rising preference for Asian cuisine in global households, prompting food brands to replicate traditional flavor profiles with authentic ingredients—MSG being a central component. Additionally, its use in cost-sensitive formulations for mass-market foods aligns well with economic constraints faced by emerging markets.

What Technological Advancements Are Driving MSG Manufacturing Efficiency?

The MSG manufacturing process has seen significant innovation, particularly in microbial fermentation techniques, which have enhanced both yield and purity levels. Fermentation-based production using natural carbohydrate sources like sugar beet, sugarcane, or tapioca has become the industry standard, replacing older chemical synthesis methods that were less sustainable. Biotechnology companies are developing genetically optimized microbial strains that can efficiently convert substrates into glutamate with minimal waste and energy use. These innovations not only improve cost efficiency but also reduce the environmental impact of large-scale MSG production. Additionally, continuous processing systems and real-time monitoring technologies are improving production consistency and compliance with stringent food safety standards.

Sustainability in production processes is becoming a competitive differentiator, especially as environmental regulations tighten and food manufacturers pursue greener supply chains. Advanced downstream processing methods, such as membrane filtration and ion exchange, have made it easier to purify MSG at scale while maintaining its organoleptic integrity. These technological improvements have allowed manufacturers to expand capacity while keeping production costs relatively stable—a crucial factor in price-sensitive markets. Packaging innovations, such as resealable eco-friendly pouches for retail distribution and bulk logistics solutions for industrial use, are also being explored to improve shelf life and reduce carbon footprints. Overall, the integration of biotechnology and precision engineering into MSG manufacturing is transforming it into a highly efficient and sustainable segment of the food additives industry.

Why Is the MSG Market on a Sharp Upward Trajectory?

The growth in the global monosodium glutamate market is driven by several factors rooted in evolving end-use applications, advanced manufacturing techniques, and regional consumption dynamics. The increasing consumption of processed and convenience foods, particularly in urban regions of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, is significantly boosting MSG demand. The expanding food service industry, coupled with the proliferation of fast-food chains and packaged meals, is generating consistent industrial demand for flavor enhancers like MSG. Additionally, the growing popularity of plant-based foods, which often require flavor optimization to mimic meat-based umami taste, is creating new high-growth use cases for MSG in vegan and vegetarian product formulations.

From a production standpoint, advancements in biotechnological fermentation and downstream processing are enabling manufacturers to achieve higher efficiency, lower emissions, and superior product purity, thereby strengthening their market competitiveness. The integration of MSG into packaged seasonings, soups, frozen foods, sauces, and snacks is expanding, as food producers seek cost-effective ways to meet consumer expectations for flavorful but affordable products. Moreover, regional growth is being fueled by rising disposable incomes in developing economies, increased exposure to international cuisines, and food security initiatives that prioritize scalable, affordable ingredients. Finally, strategic expansion by leading manufacturers into underpenetrated markets, often through local partnerships and capacity investments, is driving geographical diversification and reinforcing MSG’s position as an essential ingredient in the modern food ecosystem.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Distribution Channel (Offline Distribution Channel, Online Distribution Channel); Application (Additives Application, Preservatives Application, Acidity Regulators Application, Flavor Enhancers Application, Other Applications); End-Use (Food Processing End-Use, Pharmaceuticals End-Use, Cosmetics End-Use, Livestock End-Use, Other End-Uses)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 65 Featured) -

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
• COFCO Biochemical (Anhui) Co., Ltd.
• Fufeng Group
• Fujian Province Jianyang Wuyi MSG Co., Ltd.
• Linghua Group Limited
• Lotus Health Industry Group Co., Ltd
• Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd. (Meihua Group)
• Shandong Qilu Biotechnology Group
• VEDAN International (Holdings) Ltd.

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