Monosodium Glutamate Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global monosodium glutamate market reached USD 5.90 Billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.00% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 8.73 Billion in 2034.

Monosodium Glutamate Market Growth

Rising Demand from the Food Processing Industry to Bolster the Global Monosodium Glutamate Industry

The growth of the monosodium glutamate market is majorly being driven by the growing demand emanating from the food processing industry. The demand for processed food has gained huge importance in the past few years due to the changing lifestyles of individuals, hectic work schedules, shifts in the taste and preferences of consumers, and increasing purchasing power. These factors are driving the fast and processed food industry extensively, thus, further propelling the growth of the monosodium glutamate industry.

Monosodium Glutamate Market Trends

The manufacturing of MSG shifting from the extraction method to the fermentation method is a key trend in monosodium glutamate market as this method is often used for giant-scale production while maintaining a coffee per-unit cost. Thus, this rise in the profit margin has significantly impacted the growth of the monosodium glutamate industry.

Recent Developments

As per the monosodium glutamate market dynamics and trends, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) announced that they have developed a safe method for the production of recombinant proteins such as vaccine antigens and insulin, among others, with the usage of monosodium glutamate (MSG) instead of methanol.

Industry Outlook

As per the monosodium glutamate industry analysis, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a glutamic acid salt that has been gaining popularity as an alternative to salt due to its low sodium content and unique umami flavour. It has been found to be widespread in packaged products such as instant noodles, soups, and seasoning, among others.

As per the data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of Americans older than age 2 consume 3,400 mg of sodium daily on an average basis which is more than the recommended limit of 2,300 mg. This boosts the demand for monosodium glutamate (MSG) which has been granted a safe (GRAS) status by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as it contains only one-third of sodium compared to salt. As per the University of Virginia Health data, MSG has approximately 800 mg of sodium per teaspoon compared to 2,300 mg in a teaspoon of salt.

A 2023 review of studies on the correlation of MSG and headaches published in the Current Pain and Headache Reports journal stated that MSG does not induce headaches when consumed in a limited amount which is preferable for humans, which can further contribute to the growth of the monosodium glutamate industry.

The Growth of the Global Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market Driven by Food Industry Demand and Flavor Enhancement

• Food Industry Demand: High demand for MSG as a flavour enhancer in the food industry.
• Flavor Enhancement: The popularity of MSG for its ability to enhance the umami flavour in various cuisines aids monosodium glutamate demand growth.
• Processed Food Growth: Increasing consumption of processed and convenience foods.
• Cost-Effectiveness: MSG's cost-effectiveness as a food additive compared to other flavour enhancers.
• Expanding Applications: Growing use of MSG in various food products such as snacks, soups, and sauces.

Challenges Impacting the Growth of the Global Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market Include Health Concerns and Regulatory Restrictions

• Health Concerns: Rising concerns over the potential health effects of MSG consumption can affect monosodium glutamate demand forecast.
• Regulatory Restrictions: Strict regulations and restrictions on MSG usage in certain regions.
• Negative Public Perception: Negative perception and misinformation about MSG among consumers.
• Natural Alternatives: Increasing preference for natural and organic flavor enhancers.
• Market Competition: Intense competition from other flavoring agents and food additives.

Opportunities in the Global Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market Driven by Emerging Markets and Product Innovation

• Emerging Markets: Expansion opportunities in emerging markets with growing food processing industries can aid monosodium glutamate demand.
• Product Innovation: Opportunities for innovation in MSG formulations and applications.
• Health-Conscious Products: Development of low-sodium and health-focused MSG products.
• Collaborations: Collaborations with food manufacturers to enhance product offerings.

Setbacks Faced by the Global Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market Due to Economic Uncertainties and Supply Chain Disruptions

• Economic Uncertainties: Economic downturns affect consumer spending on processed foods and hinder monosodium glutamate market opportunities.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain impacting raw material availability.
• Technological Barriers: Challenges in developing new and improved MSG formulations.
• Consumer Trends: Shifts in consumer preferences towards fresh and natural foods.

Key Price Indicators in the Global Monosodium Glutamate Market Share

• Raw Material Costs: The prices of raw materials such as corn, sugar, and molasses, which are used in the fermentation process to produce monosodium glutamate (MSG), directly impact the cost and demand of monosodium glutamate market.
• Production Costs: Energy, labor, and technological advancements in the manufacturing process influence production costs, affecting the final price of MSG.
• Regulatory Policies: Government regulations and import/export policies can impact the cost structure and pricing of MSG.
• Economic Conditions: Economic factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and global economic trends can also affect the pricing of MSG.

Monosodium Glutamate Industry Segmentations

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is an aminoalkanoic acid with the formula C5H8NO4Na, is a crucial chemical used to reinforce flavour of foods. MSG is commonly utilised in fast foods. It is tasteless by itself, but it is a flavour enhancer, that improves the taste of meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, and soup.

On the basis of application, the monosodium glutamate industry is divided into:

• Noodles, Soup, and Broth
• Meat Products
• Seasonings and Dressings
• Others

The market finds its end uses in the following sectors:

• Food Processing Industries
• Food Service Sectors
• Others

On the basis of region, the monosodium glutamate industry is divided into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Monosodium Glutamate Market Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific to Witness a Significant Growth Within the Global Market

The Asia-Pacific holds a prominent monosodium glutamate market share due to the increased utilisation of glutamate salts in the region, such as in meat and other high-protein foods. Within the Asia-Pacific, China is among the most prominent producers of monosodium glutamate, with the country exporting the product to Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, Indonesia, and South Africa, among other regions.

Competitive Landscape

The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global monosodium glutamate market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds:

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
• Fufeng Group
• MeiHua Holdings Group Co
• Shandong Qilu Biotechnology Group
• Vedant Int’l
• Others

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the industry based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis.

North America is a significant consumer of monosodium glutamate, especially the United States of America, due to the growing demand for the product from the food manufacturing sector and the increasing popularity of Asian food in the region. Europe also represents a significant market for the monosodium glutamate industry, propelled by the growing food manufacturing sector in the region.