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Monosodium Glutamate Market Size
The global monosodium glutamate market size was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.7% from 2025 to 2034. Driven by the rising demand for flavor enhancers in the food and beverage industry. MSG, a sodium salt of glutamic acid, is widely utilized to enhance the taste of various dishes, contributing a savory umami flavor. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the demand for convenient and flavorful food options has surged, propelling the market forward.
The Asia-Pacific region, particularly countries like China and Japan, has traditionally been a major consumer of MSG, and the market is expanding globally with increasing adoption in Western cuisines. The food processing sector, including snacks, soups, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals, has become a key driver for MSG consumption. Additionally, the growing popularity of processed and convenience foods, along with the rising trend of eating out, has further fueled the industry demand.
Report Attributes | Details |
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Base Year: | 2024 |
Market Size in 2024: | USD 5.4 Billion |
Forecast Period: | 2025 to 2034 |
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 CAGR: | 5.7% |
2034 Value Projection: | USD 9.6 Billion |
Historical Data for: | 2021 – 2024 |
No. of Pages: | 200 |
Tables, Charts & Figures: | 172 |
Segments covered: | Form, Application, Distribution Channel and Region |
Growth Drivers: |
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Pitfalls & Challenges: |
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The increasing demand for processed and convenience foods is significantly driving the growth of the monosodium glutamate (MSG) market. As consumers seek quick, ready-to-eat meals with enhanced flavors, MSG is widely used as a flavor enhancer, making it a staple in the food industry. The expansion of the foodservice industry further contributes to the market's growth, as restaurants and fast-food chains incorporate MSG to improve taste, reduce food costs, and meet consumer expectations for flavorful dishes.
Additionally, the rising disposable incomes in developing countries are boosting the demand for processed and packaged food products, where MSG is commonly used. As people in these regions have more spending power, there is a greater inclination toward eating out and purchasing convenience foods, thereby increasing the consumption of MSG. This trend is particularly evident in emerging markets where the adoption of Western dietary habits and food products is on the rise.
Monosodium Glutamate Market Trends
The monosodium glutamate (MSG) industry is seeing significant advancements in manufacturing efficiency through the adoption of automated production processes and optimized fermentation techniques. Automation in production lines has led to reduced labor costs, enhanced consistency, and improved scalability, allowing manufacturers to meet rising demand more effectively. Innovations in fermentation technology, including the use of advanced microbial strains, are improving MSG yield while minimizing production time and resource consumption.
Technologically, the trend is shifting towards more sustainable practices. Manufacturers are investing in green technologies, such as waste reduction and energy-efficient processes, to minimize the environmental impact of MSG production. Additionally, the development of high-purity MSG is gaining traction, particularly in food sectors requiring premium products with enhanced flavor profiles. In terms of upcoming trends, there is growing interest in the use of MSG in new food categories, including plant-based and functional foods, as consumers demand more diverse, health-conscious options. This shift is expected to drive further innovation in product offerings and applications.
Monosodium Glutamate Market Analysis
The powder form segment will capture USD 5.5 billion and demonstrate a 5.4% CAGR through 2034, due to its ease of use, faster dissolution, and better compatibility in various applications such as seasonings, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Powdered MSG is favored in the foodservice and packaged food industries for its convenience in blending with other ingredients and enhancing flavor uniformly across products. Its fine texture also makes it a preferred choice for automated packaging systems, contributing to manufacturing efficiency.
On the other hand, granulated MSG is gaining traction in the food processing sector, particularly in large-scale operations where bulk usage is common. Granules are preferred for their stability during storage and handling, making them suitable for industrial use, including in sauces, soups, and processed meats. Additionally, the trend towards customizable packaging sizes in both powder and granule forms is increasing to meet the varied needs of consumers and manufacturers, providing flexibility across different market segments.
The monosodium glutamate market from the noodles, soups, and broths application segment held a 35.1% revenue share in 2024, amounting to USD 1.9 billion, and is projected to grow at a 5.5% CAGR till 2034. In noodles, soups, and broths, MSG continues to be widely used as it intensifies umami taste, making these products savorier and satisfying. The rising demand for instant and convenience foods has led to an increased incorporation of MSG in these segments.
In meat products, MSG is gaining popularity for its ability to improve the overall taste and juiciness of processed meats, including sausages, ready-to-eat meats, and canned products. The focus on flavor enhancement and product cost-effectiveness continues to drive MSG adoption in this sector. The seasonings and dressings segment remains a key growth area, with MSG used to elevate the taste of sauces, salad dressings, and spice mixes.
As consumers seek more diverse, flavorful options, MSG is being integrated into a wider variety of products. Additionally, the "others" category, encompassing beverages, snacks, and packaged foods, is expanding as MSG becomes increasingly common in new applications.
The U.S. monosodium glutamate market is projected to achieve USD 4.1 billion, with a CAGR of 4.9% up to 2034, driven by increasing consumer demand for processed and convenience foods. As busy lifestyles fuel the demand for ready-to-eat meals, MSG continues to be a favored ingredient due to its ability to enhance flavors and improve food quality. The trend toward clean-label and natural ingredients, however, is prompting manufacturers to develop MSG alternatives, with some seeking to combine MSG with other flavor-enhancing compounds for healthier formulations.
The foodservice sector, including fast food chains and restaurants, remains a significant driver, using MSG to create more savory, cost-effective menu items. Additionally, the growing popularity of ethnic cuisines, which traditionally use MSG, is expanding its usage in various dishes, from soups to snacks. Technological advancements are also shaping the market, with innovations in production processes improving efficiency, while a greater emphasis on sustainability and regulatory compliance is encouraging manufacturers to adopt greener, more eco-friendly practices.
Monosodium Glutamate Market Share
Companies include, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. leads the MSG market with a focus on innovation and sustainability, expanding its product range to cater to traditional and plant-based foods. Fufeng Group enhances its competitiveness through large-scale production and cost-reduction strategies, while Puramate targets niche sectors like beverages, investing in automation and sustainability.
Meihua Holdings Group focuses on improving fermentation techniques and global expansion to stay competitive. Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd. emphasizes cost-effective production and is expanding its international presence to meet the rising demand from the global food processing industry. These companies continue to innovate and adapt to market demands.
Monosodium Glutamate Market Companies
Major players operating in the monosodium glutamate (MSG) industry are:
- Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
- Arshine Food Additives
- Foodchem International
- Fufeng Group
- Great American Spice Company
- Linghua Group
- Meihua Holdings Group
- Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd
- Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd
- Prinova
- Vedan International (Holdings) Limited
Monosodium Glutamate Industry News
- August 2023: Mei Ah Foodstuffs International has teamed up with a food delivery platform to introduce ready-to-eat meals featuring Ajinomoto MSG.
- September 2023: Kerry Ingredients has tested an innovative flavoring technology that blends MSG with natural extracts.
This monosodium glutamate (MSG) market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:
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Market, By Form
- Powder
- Granules
Market, By Application
- Noodles, soups, and broths
- Meat products
- Seasonings & dressings
- Others
Market, By Distribution Channel
- B2B
- B2C
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Specialty stores
- Online retail
- Others
The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- MEA
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
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