Sodium glutamate is the monosodium salt of glutamic acid, a derivative of the natural amino acid glutamate, a powder consisting of elongated transparent, whitish crystals that are highly soluble in water.

Monosodium glutamate is a salt of glutamic acid, which is used as a food additive to give dishes a richer, "meat" taste. It is known to customers under the code E621.

When added to foods, it provides the same flavor-enhancing functions as the natural glutamate found in most foods, including cheese, milk, mushrooms, meat, fish, and many vegetables.