Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market – Overview

The Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for enhanced flavor solutions across the global food industry. MSG is a popular flavor enhancer known for intensifying the umami taste, making it a preferred ingredient in a wide range of processed foods, seasonings, instant noodles, snacks, frozen meals, and canned soups. The market is expanding as consumers worldwide show a rising preference for ready-to-eat and convenience food products, especially in urban environments where busy lifestyles drive the demand for fast and flavorful meal solutions.

Additionally, the MSG market is witnessing growing adoption in animal feed and pharmaceutical formulations, where it is used to improve palatability and efficiency. Advancements in fermentation and production processes, combined with increased consumption in emerging economies like China, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, are propelling the market forward.

Despite occasional health-related debates and regulatory scrutiny, ongoing research and shifting consumer perceptions continue to strengthen the market outlook. This report delivers in-depth analysis of market dynamics, emerging trends, opportunities, and the competitive landscape. It segments the market by form, application, end-user, and region, enabling businesses to identify potential growth areas and craft informed strategies.

Market Report Coverage:

The “Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market Report—Future (2025-2030)” by Digiroads Research & Consulting covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the market.

Study Assumptions and Definitions

This study on the Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market is based on a structured combination of primary research, secondary research, expert interviews, and data modeling techniques. Primary research involved direct interactions with manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and industry experts, while secondary research sources include company annual reports, government publications, white papers, paid databases, and reputable news outlets.

All market forecasts are based on current industry dynamics and historical data trends, assuming a consistent global economic climate over the forecast period. Significant macroeconomic variables, including GDP growth, inflation rates, energy costs, and raw material availability, are factored into the market outlook. The study also assumes neutral trade policies and stable geopolitical conditions unless stated otherwise.

For the purposes of this research, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is defined as a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, commonly used as a flavor enhancer in processed and packaged foods. The market scope includes MSG in various physical forms such as powders, granules, flakes, and liquid solutions. Applications covered range from food processing and animal feed to pharmaceuticals and personal care. The study covers global distribution, both through direct sales (B2B) and indirect sales channels like retail and online platforms.

Market Scope

The Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market report offers a detailed analysis of global and regional trends, identifying both historical and future growth patterns across industries and applications. The research covers quantitative insights such as market size (in USD Million and Kilotons), compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and year-over-year growth, as well as qualitative insights including regulatory landscapes, key industry developments, and evolving consumer behavior.

The market scope is segmented comprehensively by Form (Powder, Granules, Flakes, Liquid), Application (Food Processing, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Others), End-User (Industrial, Household), Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Retail, Online), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa).

The study also evaluates the competitive landscape by profiling key players, their strategic initiatives, financial performance, R&D activities, partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions. This market scope enables stakeholders — including manufacturers, investors, suppliers, and policymakers — to identify emerging opportunities, assess risks, and develop growth strategies aligned with global demand and supply chain trends.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market is witnessing consistent growth as global demand for flavor-enhancing ingredients continues to rise, especially within the food and beverage sector. MSG, a widely used sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, is prized for its ability to enhance the savory “umami” taste in a variety of culinary applications, including snacks, soups, sauces, frozen meals, and seasonings. Its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and proven flavor-boosting characteristics have positioned it as an essential ingredient across diverse industries.

One of the primary growth drivers is the increasing global shift toward processed and convenience foods, particularly in emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil, where rising urbanization and disposable income have fueled packaged food consumption. Additionally, the foodservice sector’s expansion — including restaurants, fast-food chains, and catering services — continues to strengthen MSG demand.

Beyond the food industry, MSG’s adoption in animal feed and pharmaceuticals also adds to the market’s growth potential. In animal nutrition, MSG helps improve feed palatability and nutrient absorption, while in pharmaceuticals, it plays a role in the formulation of taste-masked drugs and supplements.

While the market faces challenges stemming from health-related debates and regulatory restrictions in specific regions, ongoing research continues to debunk myths surrounding MSG’s health risks, thereby improving public perception.

Asia-Pacific currently leads the global MSG market due to high consumption in both industrial and household cooking, especially across China, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. North America and Europe also reflect steady demand, supported by evolving food habits and ethnic cuisine trends.

This report provides in-depth market insights, forecasts, and competitive analysis, empowering businesses to navigate risks, capture new opportunities, and formulate growth strategies in the evolving MSG landscape.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The competitive landscape in the MSG market is dominated by major players like Ajinomoto, Fufeng, and Meihua, driving innovation and growth.

Key Market Players

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
• Fufeng Group Company Limited
• Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd.
• Ningxia EPPEN Biotech Co., Ltd.
• Vedan International Holdings Limited
• Shandong Linghua Monosodium Glutamate Incorporated
• Global Bio-Chem Technology Group
• CJ CheilJedang Corporation
• Henan Lotus Gourmet Powder Co., Ltd.
• Cargill, Incorporated

Market Share Analysis

The Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market is characterized by a blend of established multinational corporations and regional manufacturers, creating a moderately consolidated yet highly competitive environment. Leading players such as Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Fufeng Group, Meihua Holdings, CJ CheilJedang Corporation, and Vedan International collectively account for a substantial share of global production, thanks to their robust manufacturing capabilities, advanced R&D infrastructure, and broad distribution channels.

Asia-Pacific commands the highest market share, with China emerging as both the largest producer and consumer of MSG, owing to its thriving food processing sector and deep-rooted use of MSG in traditional and industrial cooking. Southeast Asian nations and Japan also contribute significantly to regional demand.

Meanwhile, North America and Europe maintain a steady market share, driven by growing demand for ethnic cuisines and processed foods, especially among younger consumers seeking global flavor profiles. Developing economies in South America, Africa, and the Middle East are expected to witness rising MSG adoption, supported by rapid urbanization, rising incomes, and growing foodservice industries.

Strategic partnerships, expansion of production capacities, investments in automated fermentation technologies, and mergers and acquisitions are key tactics leveraged by market leaders to strengthen their competitive edge and widen their global footprint.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

The global Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Market is expanding at a steady pace, underpinned by strong demand from the processed food sector and evolving consumer preferences. Rising urbanization, shifting dietary habits, and the need for affordable, ready-to-eat food products are some of the primary drivers behind the surge in MSG consumption. In addition to its widespread use in snacks, sauces, ready meals, and frozen foods, the growing popularity of international cuisines, particularly East and Southeast Asian dishes, has further fueled MSG’s global demand.

Another essential market driver is the ingredient’s ability to enhance taste while enabling manufacturers to reduce sodium content in their recipes, aligning with global health trends and sodium reduction initiatives. MSG also sees growing applications in animal feed, where it improves the palatability of feed mixtures and boosts nutrient absorption.

On the innovation front, companies are continually refining fermentation-based production methods to reduce costs, improve purity, and minimize environmental impact. Biotechnological advancements are enabling manufacturers to shift away from traditional chemical synthesis to more eco-friendly and efficient production models. Packaging innovations are also helping extend MSG’s shelf life and improve supply chain resilience, especially in emerging markets.

Furthermore, increasing efforts by industry bodies and manufacturers to educate consumers about the safety and functionality of MSG are improving its acceptance worldwide, positioning it as a trusted and versatile flavor enhancer.

Market Challenges

1. Negative Health Perceptions and Misconceptions: Despite regulatory approvals and scientific studies validating its safety, MSG continues to face negative public perception. Long-standing myths linking it to health issues such as headaches, nausea, and “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” still influence buying decisions, especially in Western countries.
2. Regulatory Restrictions and Compliance: Food safety regulations in several countries mandate clear labeling of MSG as an additive, and in some regions, usage is restricted or discouraged due to public health campaigns promoting low-sodium diets. These compliance demands can slow growth in certain markets.
3. Shift Toward Natural & Clean-Label Products: The growing consumer shift toward organic, non-GMO, and clean-label products poses a challenge for MSG manufacturers, as consumers increasingly prefer natural alternatives like yeast extracts and mushroom concentrates for flavor enhancement.
4. Raw Material Price Instability: The price and availability of key raw materials such as molasses, starch, and sugarcane can fluctuate based on seasonal harvests, weather conditions, and global trade policies, directly impacting production costs and margins.
5. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Pressures: Large-scale MSG production involves energy-intensive fermentation processes and generates industrial waste, creating environmental concerns and increasing pressure on manufacturers to adopt cleaner and more sustainable production practices.

Market Opportunities

1. Rising Demand in Emerging Economies: Rapid urbanization, population growth, and evolving food habits in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are driving the demand for affordable, flavorful, and convenient meal options, strengthening MSG’s growth potential.
2. Diversification Across End-User Industries: Beyond its core use in food processing, MSG is finding increasing application in animal feed (for improved palatability), pharmaceutical formulations (as a taste-masking agent), and personal care products, expanding the market footprint.
3. Technological Advancements in Production: Innovations in microbial fermentation and bioprocess optimization are enabling manufacturers to reduce production costs, increase yield, and lower the environmental footprint, enhancing both profitability and regulatory compliance.
4. Growth in the Convenience and Packaged Food Sector: The global surge in demand for ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, snacks, and instant foods — especially post-pandemic — continues to fuel the need for reliable and cost-effective flavor enhancers like MSG.
5. Changing Consumer Perception Through Education: Industry campaigns and scientific research are gradually dismantling the stigma associated with MSG, offering manufacturers new opportunities to reintroduce or rebrand the ingredient in both domestic and export markets.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

1. Market Growth Projections: The global MSG market was valued at USD 7.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.
2. Regional Market Insights: In the U.S., the MSG market is valued at USD 2 billion in 2024, with expectations to grow at a 7.1% CAGR to USD 2.2 billion by 2030.
3. Technological Advancements: The adoption of automated production processes and optimized fermentation techniques has led to reduced labor costs, enhanced consistency, and improved scalability, allowing manufacturers to meet rising demand more effectively.
4. Product Form Trends: The powder form segment is expected to reach USD 5.5 billion by 2034, growing at a 5.4% CAGR, due to its ease of use, faster dissolution, and better compatibility in applications like seasonings, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
5. Application Growth: The noodles, soups, and broths 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 through 2034.
6. Sustainability Initiatives: Companies are focusing on bio-based and sustainable production methods to address rising consumer concerns over synthetic additives.
7. Health Perception Improvements: Ongoing research continues to debunk myths surrounding MSG’s health risks, thereby improving public perception.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

• Manufacturers

• Cost Efficiency and Production Scalability: The adoption of automated processes and optimized fermentation techniques allows MSG producers to achieve economies of scale, reducing production costs while maintaining high product consistency. This creates a competitive edge in a price-sensitive market.
• Sustainability and Environmental Benefits: Manufacturers embracing eco-friendly production methods, such as bio-based feedstocks and energy-efficient technologies, can meet growing consumer demand for sustainable products while reducing their carbon footprint.
• Diversification of Product Offerings: By expanding into healthier options, such as low-sodium MSG or natural MSG alternatives, manufacturers can cater to the rising demand for clean-label products, expanding their customer base and market share.

•  Investors

• High Growth Potential in Emerging Markets: Investors have the opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for MSG in emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, where urbanization and rising disposable incomes are driving the consumption of processed and convenience foods.
• Innovation-Driven Growth: Companies that invest in sustainable production technologies and new product formulations (e.g., reduced-sodium or natural MSG alternatives) are positioned to lead market trends, providing attractive returns for investors in the long term.
• Strong Market Stability: The MSG market, though competitive, has shown consistent growth, driven by the expanding processed food sector, making it a relatively stable industry for investors seeking steady returns.

•  Consumers

• Healthier Alternatives and Greater Choices: Consumers benefit from the growing availability of low-sodium and clean-label MSG products, offering better health benefits without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, new product lines, including natural MSG substitutes, cater to the demand for plant-based, gluten-free, and non-GMO ingredients.
• Affordable Flavor Enhancement: MSG continues to be a cost-effective flavor enhancer, providing consumers with affordable solutions for enhancing the taste of their meals without compromising on quality.
• Increased Awareness and Education: Ongoing efforts by manufacturers and regulatory bodies to educate consumers about the safety of MSG and its benefits ensure better consumer confidence and acceptance, improving overall satisfaction.

• Regulatory Bodies

• Public Health Improvement: Regulatory bodies benefit from the scientific studies and safety evaluations around MSG, helping to dispel myths and promote its safe usage in food products, ultimately improving public health by offering accurate information to consumers.
• Sustainability Support: As governments push for sustainability goals, regulatory bodies can benefit from the greener practices adopted by MSG manufacturers, reducing the overall environmental impact of food production processes.
• Market Regulation and Safety Standards: Regulatory bodies are instrumental in ensuring product safety and quality, facilitating transparent labeling and industry compliance, which in turn strengthens consumer trust and protects public health.

•  Retailers & Distributors

• Expanded Product Offering: Retailers can expand their product portfolios by incorporating various MSG-based products, such as low-sodium options and MSG alternatives, meeting the growing consumer demand for healthier and cleaner products.
• Competitive Advantage: By aligning with market trends (e.g., healthier and more natural food additives), retailers can differentiate themselves in the market, improving their position relative to competitors and enhancing customer loyalty.
• Improved Supply Chain Resilience: As MSG manufacturers focus on sustainable production and efficient distribution practices, retailers and distributors benefit from more reliable supply chains, ensuring timely delivery and reducing stock-outs.

At DigiRoads Research, we emphasize reliability by employing robust market estimation and data validation methodologies. Our insights are further enhanced by our proprietary data forecasting model, which projects market growth trends up to 2030. This forward-thinking approach ensures our analysis not only captures the current market landscape but also anticipates future developments, equipping stakeholders with actionable foresight.

We go a step further by offering an exhaustive set of regional and country-level data points, supplemented by over 60 detailed charts at no additional cost. This commitment to transparency and accessibility allows stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s structural and operational dynamics. By providing exclusive and hard-to-access data, DigiRoads Research empowers businesses to make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

In essence, our methodology and data delivery foster a collaborative and data-driven decision-making environment, enabling businesses to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

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Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION

  • Market Overview
  • Years Considered for Study
  • Market Segmentation
  • Study Assumptions and Definitions
  • Market Scope

• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• MARKET OUTLOOK

  • Executive Summary
  • Market Snapshot
• Market Segments 
  • By Form:
    • Powder, Granules, Flakes, Liquid, Others
  • By Region:
    • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
  • Fufeng Group
  • Meihua Group International
  • MSG Asia-Pacific
  • Shandong Qilu Biotechnology
  • Tate & Lyle PLC
  • Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd.
  • Ethypharm
  • Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd.
  • Cooperative of MSG Producers (Jiangsu)

• MARKET DYNAMICS

  • Market Drivers
  • Market Challenges
  • Market Opportunities
  • Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
    • Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • Threat of New Entrant
    • Threat of Substitutes
    • Competitive Rivalry

• GLOSSARY OF PROMINENT SECONDARY SOURCES

• DISCLAIMER

• ABOUT US