Do Knorr Bouillon Cubes Have MSG? A Comprehensive Ingredient Breakdown

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

While many consumers actively check for it, MSG is a common and safe food additive used for its umami flavor. The question, 'do Knorr bouillon cubes have MSG?', does not have a simple yes or no answer, as it depends on the specific product, country of sale, and its ingredient list.

Quick Summary

Ingredient formulations for Knorr bouillon cubes vary significantly by market and product line. While some versions explicitly list monosodium glutamate, others contain different flavor enhancers like yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein. Consumers should always check the label of their specific product to determine if it contains added MSG.

Key Points

Product Dependent: Whether Knorr bouillon cubes have MSG depends on the specific product formulation and country of sale.
Ingredient Variations: Some Knorr products explicitly list monosodium glutamate, while others use alternatives like yeast extract or hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
Natural Glutamates: Ingredients such as yeast extract and hydrolyzed protein contain naturally occurring glutamates, which provide umami flavor without being labeled as 'MSG'.
Labeling is Key: The most reliable way to know is to read the ingredient list, as formulations vary significantly.
Not Universal: The 'no added MSG' labeling on some Knorr lines indicates that MSG is not a brand-wide ingredient, confirming the need for label checks.
Umami Alternatives: Look for flavor enhancers like Disodium Guanylate (E627) and Disodium Inosinate (E631), which are often used with or instead of MSG to boost savory flavor.

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Product and Region

Some Knorr bouillon cube products contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a listed ingredient, often alongside other flavor enhancers. For instance, some chicken and beef varieties sold in North America and Asia explicitly state 'monosodium glutamate' on the label. However, the brand also offers specific product lines advertised as 'No Added MSG' or 'Natural Seasoning Cubes' in various markets. These variations highlight the importance of reading the ingredient list, rather than making a brand-wide assumption.

Deciphering Other Flavor Enhancers

Even when a Knorr product is labeled 'No Added MSG', it may still contain ingredients that are rich in naturally occurring glutamates, which contribute to the savory, umami flavor. The FDA requires manufacturers to list added MSG but does not require labeling of naturally occurring glutamates. Common ingredients to look for include:

Autolyzed Yeast Extract: This is a popular flavor enhancer derived from yeast cells that naturally contains glutamates. As a result, products containing autolyzed yeast extract can produce a flavor profile similar to that of MSG.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP): This ingredient is made by breaking down vegetable proteins into their constituent amino acids, a process that releases naturally occurring glutamates. Like yeast extract, it is used to intensify the savory flavor of foods.
Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate: These are nucleotides often used in conjunction with MSG to create a synergistic effect that boosts umami flavor. They may also be used in products without added MSG to enhance the flavor profile.

Knorr Bouillon Product Comparison

To illustrate the differences, let's compare some of Knorr's product offerings across different markets. This table is for illustrative purposes and specific formulations may vary based on local regulations and manufacturing changes. Always check the label of the product you are purchasing.


Product & Market	Contains Added MSG?	Other Flavor Enhancers	Notes
Knorr Chicken Bouillon Cube (US)	Yes, listed as Monosodium Glutamate.	Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate.	Standard formulation often includes multiple enhancers.
Knorr 'No Added MSG' Chicken Stock Cube (SG)	No, explicitly stated 'No Added MSG'.	Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein, Sodium Inosinate, Sodium Guanylate.	Offers an alternative for those avoiding added MSG.
Knorr Professional Chicken Flavor Bouillon (US)	Yes, listed as Monosodium Glutamate.	Yeast Extract, Disodium Inosinate.	A formulation intended for commercial or restaurant use.
Knorr Beef Bouillon Cube (Canada)	Yes, listed as Monosodium Glutamate.	Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Yeast Extract, Disodium Inosinate.	Shows variation in ingredients even within North American products.

The FDA Stance and Labeling Requirements

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS). Food manufacturers are required to declare MSG when it is added as a flavor enhancer. However, they are not required to label naturally occurring glutamates in ingredients like hydrolyzed vegetable protein or yeast extract. This can lead to confusion for consumers, which is why a thorough examination of the entire ingredient list is the best approach.

How to Read the Label for Flavor Enhancers

Check for Explicit MSG: Look for Monosodium Glutamate or the code E621 on European products. The presence of this name confirms added MSG.
Look for High-Glutamate Ingredients: Scan for ingredients like Yeast Extract (including Autolyzed Yeast Extract), Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, and Hydrolyzed Corn Protein. These contribute to umami flavor via naturally occurring glutamates.
Identify Nucleotide Enhancers: Watch for Disodium Guanylate (E627) and Disodium Inosinate (E631). These amplify the savory flavor and are often used alongside MSG or other glutamate sources.
Note Sodium and Other Flavors: These products contain significant amounts of salt and other spices to build a complex flavor profile, so a high sodium content might indicate more than just salt is at play.

Conclusion: Read the Label to be Sure

Ultimately, whether a Knorr bouillon cube contains MSG is not a universal truth but a product-specific detail. Some products do contain added MSG, while others use alternative ingredients rich in naturally occurring glutamates to achieve a savory, umami taste. Consumers who wish to avoid MSG or its natural cousins must make a habit of reading the ingredient label of each specific product they purchase. By understanding what to look for, you can make an informed choice about the flavor enhancers in your food.

For more information on food additives and labeling, a helpful resource is Health Canada's page on monosodium glutamate.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Knorr products contain MSG. The presence of MSG varies depending on the specific product line and the country where it is sold. Knorr offers some product versions that are explicitly labeled as 'No Added MSG'.

A product labeled 'No Added MSG' may still contain naturally occurring glutamates from ingredients like yeast extract or hydrolyzed vegetable protein. These ingredients provide a savory, umami flavor similar to MSG.

To know for sure, you must check the ingredient list on the product packaging. Look for 'monosodium glutamate' or 'flavor enhancer (621)' if you are in a region that uses additive numbers.

The key difference is how they are labeled. Added MSG must be declared by name on the ingredient list. Naturally occurring glutamates from ingredients like yeast extract do not require the 'MSG' label, as they are part of a whole food ingredient.

No, autolyzed yeast extract is not the same as MSG, but it contains naturally occurring glutamates. It is a flavor enhancer often used as a substitute for MSG, and can produce a similar savory taste.

Knorr is a global brand with different formulations for various markets, based on consumer preferences and regional food regulations. Some regions prefer products with MSG for flavor intensity, while others cater to demand for 'no added MSG' products.

It is difficult to find a bouillon product that is completely free of glutamates, as they are naturally present in many foods used for flavoring, such as vegetables. However, selecting a 'no added MSG' product and checking for yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein will help you avoid the most concentrated sources.