Magnesium diglutamate
A safe umami enhancer for the general population.
- Category
- Flavour enhancers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
The magnesium salt of glutamic acid, an umami flavor enhancer.
How it is used in food
Enhances savoury umami taste while replacing sodium with magnesium, offering both salt reduction and a small contribution toward magnesium intake in seasoned foods.
Commonly found in- Soups
- Bouillon cubes
Health and safety
Safe for general consumption; carries standard glutamate sensitivity warnings.
Included in EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation of glutamic acid and glutamates (E620–E625), which established a group ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight per day based on conservative neurodevelopmental endpoints in animal studies. Human trials have not substantiated consistent adverse effects from glutamate salts at levels found in food.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E625
Worth knowing
It is the rarest of the glutamate salts in practice — MSG's low cost keeps it dominant, so E625 appears mostly in speciality low-sodium and dietetic products where its magnesium content is a selling point.
Conclusion
A safe umami enhancer for the general population.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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