If you ever take the time to read food labels carefully, you might come across an ingredient listed simply as E622. It’s not immediately clear what it is, which can be a little unsettling.
Let’s break it down: what exactly is E622, why is it added to so many foods, and should you be concerned?
What Is E622?
E622 is the code for monopotassium glutamate, a type of flavor enhancer. It belongs to the same family as the more well-known MSG (monosodium glutamate).
Its main job is to boost the umami flavor of foods. Umami, often described as a savory or meaty taste, is one of the five basic tastes alongside sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.
In short, E622 makes food taste better, deeper, and richer without adding its own strong flavor.
Where You’ll Find E622
You might be surprised at how many everyday foods contain E622.
It’s commonly found in processed foods like soups, instant noodles, savory snacks, canned vegetables, and frozen meals. Some seasoning mixes and spice blends also use E622 to intensify flavor.
Restaurants and fast food chains also sometimes use flavor enhancers like E622 to make dishes more appealing to customers.
Because it’s very effective at enhancing taste, only a small amount is needed in any product. Still, its widespread use means it pops up more often than you might think.
Why Is E622 Used in Food?
The main reason food manufacturers add E622 is simple: it improves taste.
When you reduce salt or fat in a recipe to make it healthier, the flavor often suffers. E622 can help restore and even boost the taste without needing to add extra salt, sugar, or fat.
It’s a useful tool in creating low-calorie or low-sodium foods that still taste delicious.
Additionally, because it enhances savory notes, it can help inexpensive ingredients taste richer, which is a major advantage for mass-produced foods.
Is E622 Safe to Eat?
The big question most people have when they see an unfamiliar additive like E622 is whether it’s safe.
According to food safety authorities like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), E622 is generally recognized as safe when consumed in normal amounts found in food.
However, some people are sensitive to glutamates. They might experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, or flushing after consuming foods high in glutamate, a phenomenon sometimes called “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.”
That said, such reactions are relatively rare, and for most people, E622 is perfectly safe when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
As always, moderation is key. Eating large amounts of processed foods loaded with additives isn’t ideal, but a little bit here and there isn’t a major concern for most individuals.
Natural vs. Added Glutamates
It’s important to understand that glutamates are naturally present in many healthy foods too.
Tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and even meat naturally contain glutamates. These natural glutamates contribute to the delicious umami flavor in these foods.
The difference with E622 is that it’s an added form, designed to intensify that natural taste in processed products.
In essence, your body processes naturally occurring glutamates and added glutamates the same way. The key is how much you consume overall.
Should You Avoid E622?
Whether or not you choose to avoid E622 comes down to your personal health goals and dietary philosophy.
If you prefer to eat a diet full of whole, unprocessed foods, you might naturally steer clear of additives like E622. That’s perfectly reasonable.
On the other hand, occasional consumption of foods containing E622 is unlikely to cause harm in otherwise healthy individuals.
The best approach is to stay informed, read labels carefully, and make conscious choices about what you eat. Balance is far more important than obsessing over individual ingredients.
How to Spot E622 on Labels
Food manufacturers don’t always label ingredients clearly. Sometimes you’ll see “monopotassium glutamate,” other times it’s just “E622.”
Look for ingredient lists on packaged foods, particularly savory snacks, seasonings, and ready meals. The shorter and simpler the ingredient list, the less likely you are to encounter additives like E622.
If you’re trying to avoid it, choosing fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, and whole grains is the easiest way.
Final Thoughts
E622 might sound mysterious, but it’s simply a flavor enhancer used to make food taste better. Like many food additives, it has a role in modern food production, especially in making healthier versions of traditionally high-fat or high-sodium foods.
For most people, E622 is safe when consumed in moderation. But if you prefer a cleaner, more natural diet, minimizing your intake of processed foods can help you easily avoid it.
Understanding what’s in your food is empowering. Now that you know what E622 is, you can make the best choices for your health and lifestyle.