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Generally halal
E621 (Monosodium glutamate / MSG) is made by fermenting plant starches or molasses and is widely accepted as halal; a strict check would confirm the fermentation medium.
Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, used to add a savoury 'umami' taste. Modern MSG is produced by fermenting plant-based carbohydrates such as starch, sugar beet or molasses — a process similar to making vinegar or yoghurt.
Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars/starches to glutamic acid, which is then neutralised with sodium to form MSG. The process is plant- and microbe-based.
MSG is widely accepted as halal because it is produced by fermentation of plant-based materials and is not animal-derived. A small number of strict bodies ask about the fermentation medium and any processing aids; for full certainty, look for halal certification. The additive itself contains no prohibited component.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
Monosodium glutamateMSGE621Flavour enhancer (E621)INS number: 621
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Halal does not automatically mean healthy, and a health concern does not automatically make an ingredient haram.
Halal does not automatically mean healthy. MSG is classified as generally safe by food-safety authorities; some people report short-term sensitivity, which has not been consistently reproduced in controlled studies. This is a food-safety topic, separate from halal status.
Yes — MSG is made by fermenting plant-based materials and is widely accepted as halal. A strict check would confirm the fermentation medium.
No. Modern MSG is produced by fermentation of plant sugars/starches.
Savoury snacks, instant noodles, stock cubes, seasonings and ready meals may contain it. 'May contain' is not 'always contains'.
'Monosodium glutamate', 'MSG' or 'E621'.
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.