Monopotassium glutamate

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 622

Food additives Europe numbers: E622 

Monopotassium glutamate (MKG) isn't a common food excipient, but its close cousin, monosodium glutamate (MSG), is. Food excipients are substances added to food for a variety of technical purposes, not to provide nutritional value or flavor. However, MSG is well known as a flavor enhancer.

While not an excipient, MKG is a type of glutamate, which is an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Glutamate is also one of the five basic tastes, known as umami, which is savory or brothy. It's found naturally in many foods, including tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and meats.