Umami Flavors Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source (MSG, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, and Others), By Form (Dry and Liquid), By Application (Food and Beverages {Processed foods, Beverages, Meat and Seafood, Baked Goods, Confectionary and Others}, Pet Food, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global umami flavors market size was valued at USD 6.92 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 7.30 billion in 2025 to USD 11.10 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.16% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the umami flavors market with a market share of 45.52% in 2024.

Umami flavors are the fifth basic taste experiences which impart a savory, meaty flavor that helps to enhance the richness and flavor of food products. This type of flavor helps to reduce the reliance on salts and fats to enhance flavors and promotes the appetite and salivary flow of consumers. Such flavors are recognized as a savory or meaty taste, celebrated for their deep umami richness. With the growing popularity of savory dishes among consumers, flavor products such as umami products, which enhance the flavor profile of food products, are rapidly gaining traction.

Ajinomoto Co. Ltd., Givaudan, and International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) are some of the major players in the global market. The companies are expanding their product lines in the flavor enhancer category and investing in expanding their geographic presence.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rapid Growth of Foodservice Sector to Amplify Umami flavors Usage

Flavor enhancers are used in a wide range of cuisines across several cultures, and some of the prominent ones are Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and French cuisines. Consumers are inclined to taste authentic food of different cultures, prompting restaurant chains and fast food service providers to launch themselves in new markets. Key benefits of using such products include enhancing flavors and palatability of the items, without the necessity of using additional ingredients, which in turn helps to reduce the overall cost, masking the bitter or other notes of ingredients. Thus, with the growth in the processed food sector, the umami flavors market growth is expected to increase in the future.

• A report published by the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), a nonprofit organization of India suggests that the foodservice sector is expected to reach USD 7.76 trillion by 2028 growing at a rate of 8.1% between 2024-2028.

Multiple Appealing Factors of Umami Flavors Boost its Demand

Flavor enhancers find wider appeal among different consumer segments. Young consumer preferences for global fusion flavors are increasing. As exposure to international cuisines has increased in recent years, consumers across the world prefer savory products. Even among the elderly population, they help to make the meal appetizing, flavorful, and help stimulate the salivary glands, thereby improving the overall eating experience. Use of flavor enhancers also helps in easier food preparation of food items with sodium intolerance.

• Clinical studies have also supported that the usage of MSG helped to improve the nutritional behavior of elderly people hospitalized in Japan. Several studies have been conducted since 2010 that highlight the favorable impact of using flavor enhancers in the meals of elderly patients.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Fluctuation in Raw Material Availability and Negative Perception Among Consumers Hinder Market Growth

Umami-rich ingredients such as dried mushrooms are seasonal in nature; hence, sourcing such ingredients during the offseason can be costly, limiting their usage in food production. Moreover, there is a negative perception among health conscious consumers about the usage of MSG in food products, which makes consumers apprehensive about food products containing MSG. Limited knowledge of chefs or industrial manufacturing can lead to some of the manufacturers using excessive flavors, which can overpower other flavors and impact the overall taste. Hence, balancing these flavors with others is important to ensure flavor consistency.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Focus on Usage of Flavors in New Food Items Creates Lucrative Opportunities

Innovation in the food and beverage sector is increasingly creating opportunities for flavor enhancer manufacturers. Packaged food and reheated food items are one of the growing food categories where ready meals are available. Instant soups and snacks that are available in ready-to-heat format are becoming popular. The use of MSG can help increase palatability and mask flavor loss, caused by freezing and reheating.

UMAMI FLAVORS MARKET TRENDS

Growing Usage of Flavor Enhancer in Plant Based Alternatives is a Significant Market Trend

One of the key trends which is significantly impacting the popularity of flavor enhancers is the growth of plant based food alternatives. Alternative meat food manufacturers are increasingly using umami flavors to enhance flavors, increase depth, and richness. Companies are even launching product ranges with specific application areas in different food products which is one of the leading umami flavors market trends.

• In May 2025, T Hasegawa USA launched umami flavorings that are designed for usage in plant-based meat products. The product is named Plantreact and is used to mimic the taste of chicken, beef, and pork products.

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Segmentation Analysis

By Source

High Usage of MSG in Food and Beverages Contributes to its Major Market Share

Based on source, the market is segmented into MSG, yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and others.

In 2024, the global market was dominated by monosodium glutamate (MSG) in terms of source. It is one of the most widely used ingredients that is used in processed food and other products to impart savory flavor to food items. It was also one of the first ingredients that was scientifically identified to impart savory flavor to food products. Moreover, in comparison to other sources, the glutamate concentration is high, which provides a strong flavor to the consumers. Furthermore, the segment is set to hold 63.45% share in 2025. The umami flavors play a savory or meaty taste in processed food that evokes deep umami richness and comforting warmth. Natural ingredients such as dried mushroom are also used for manufacturing umami flavors.

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By Form

High Shelf Life and Increased Application Leads to Dry Form’s Dominance

On the basis of form, the market is classified into dry and liquid.

The dry segment accounted for a significant umami flavors market share in 2024. The dried form of these products has higher concentrates of flavor-enhancing compounds such as glutamates. Hence, the addition of the dried version amplifies the savory flavor notes of the food. Moreover, powder forms are easier to store and transport and can be applied uniformly on processed food items such as snacks, instant noodles, and others. Dry form is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.38% over the forecast period.  

By Application

Widespread Usage of Food and Beverages Industry Supplemented Segment Growth

Based on application, the market is segmented into food and beverages, pet food, and others.

The food and beverages segment captured the largest share of the market in 2024. In 2025, the segment is anticipated to dominate with a 38.14% share. Umami enhances flavor, reduces salt in food products, and helps mask odd flavors including ready to eat meals. It is also used in beverages to provide a smooth and balanced mouthfeel and enhance the flavor profile. The segment of processed food is set to register a 6.33% growth across the forecast period.

Umami Flavors Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

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Asia Pacific held the dominant share in 2023 valued at USD 2.99 billion and also took the leading share in 2024 with USD 3.15 billion. MSG, soy sauce, and other ingredients are popular among consumers in the region. Apart from China, Thailand, Indonesia and others have been using several of these products in their recipes for a long time. In 2025, the Chinese market is estimated to reach USD 1.31 billion. Asian cuisines widely use these products to enhance the flavor of the dishes and several processed food manufacturers are also incorporating these products in their final formulations.

Following Asia Pacific, North America is estimated to reach USD 1.86 billion in 2025 and secure second position.

Other regions such as Europe and North America are anticipated to witness a notable growth in the coming years. During the forecast period, North America is projected to record the fastest growth rate of 6.59%, while Europe is expected to register a growth rate of 5.90% during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the rising popularity of plant based meat alternatives, increase in migrants from Asian countries and growing demand for umami flavored savory products among consumers. Backed by these factors, Germany anticipates to record the valuation of USD 0.40 billion, U.K. to record USD 0.29 billion, and Italy USD 0.22 billion in 2025.

Over the forecast period, South America and the Middle East & Africa regions are projected to witness a moderate growth. South America market in 2025 is set to record USD 0.39 billion as its valuation. Changing dietary preferences with growing inclination toward savory products contribute to the growth in this region. In the Middle East & Africa, UAE is set to attain the value of USD 0.063 billion in 2025.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Expansion of product range of Key Companies Supported their Leading Position

The global umami market shows a fragmented structure, with numerous small-to-midsize companies actively operating worldwide in this product category. These manufacturers are actively involved in product innovation, product line expansion, and geographic expansion. Consumers who request a savory or meaty taste consistently gravitate toward processed food that have umami flavored ingredients in them.

Ajinomoto Co. Ltd., Givaudan, and others are some of the dominating players in the market owing to their comprehensive range of products and an extensive global presence through a strong distribution network. Apart from this, other prominent players in the market include International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), and Symrise AG. Specific product launches for targeted consumer segments is a key strategy that helps companies gain popularity. Other initiatives include investments in R&D and partnerships with food product manufacturers, along with market expansion strategies.

LIST OF KEY UMAMI FLAVORS COMPANIES PROFILED

• Ajinomoto Co. Inc. (Japan)
• Angel Yeast (China)
• Givaudan S.A (Switzerland)
• International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) (U.S.)
• Kerry Group plc (U.S.)
• Kikkoman Corporation (Japan)
• Lallemand Inc. (Canada)
• ADM (U.S.)
• McCormick & Company (U.S.)
• Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• August 2025: Azabu Foods, a Japanese flavor company launched Umami Everything, which is a clean-label sauce made of premium ingredients such as miso and other products. The sauce is available in original and spicy flavors.
• July 2025: Daesang introduced a specialty food ingredients line in the U.S.. The company introduced high-functionality specialty ingredients related to umami flavors and exhibited them at the IFT food expo. The products were launched under the brand name NAMINO.
• December 2024: McCormick & Co. introduced umami-favored seasoning as a part of its Simply Asia Brand. This flavor-enhancing seasoning consists of dried seaweed, red pepper, sesame seeds, and other ingredients.
• January 2023: A Finnish-based Nordic Umami company scaled its fermentation technology to develop umami products. The company also scaled its production capacity to provide its products to the food service sector.
• May 2020: Israel-based Salt of the Earth Ltd. launched sodium reducing flavor enhancer, which is suitable for application in snack products.

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Report Scope & Segmentation