A comparison of flavorings and how to choose them?
| Feature | MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) | Chicken Bouillon (Chicken Seasoning) | Chicken Powder | Soup Cube (Bouillon Cube) |
| Core Composition | ≥99% Glutamate. Pure umami. | MSG + Salt + Chicken extract/oil + Nucleotides (I+G) + Spices, Starch. | MSG + Chicken meat/bone powder + Salt + Spices. Powder form. | Salt + Fat/Oil + MSG/Yeast Extract + Chicken extract + Flavors, pressed into a cube. |
| Form | White crystals or fine powder | Granules (due to starch) | Fine powder | Solid cube or paste |
| Appearance |
| ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| Primary Function | Provides pure UMAMI. No other flavors. | Provides savory chicken flavor & saltiness. An all-purpose seasoning. | Provides intense chicken aroma & umami. Blends and adheres easily. | Quickly forms a soup base. Very concentrated. |
| Saltiness | Virtually none | High (Salt is a major component) | Medium-High | Very High (Salt is often the #1 ingredient) |
| How to Use | Added near the end of cooking. Tiny amounts. | Used during cooking (marinating, stir-frying) as a seasoning/salt substitute. | Great for marinades, fillings, dipping sauces, sprinkling on finished dishes. | Must be dissolved in water to make broth, or added to simmering liquids. |
| Flavor Profile | Pure, clean umami | Salty, savory, with chicken notes. Well-rounded. | Pronounced chicken aroma with immediate umami impact. | Intense, concentrated broth flavor. Can taste artificial. |
| Key Difference | The umami foundation. The source of "savory" in others. | "MSG upgraded with chicken flavor." The most versatile home-cooking staple. | "Chicken aroma in powder form." Ideal for coating and instant aroma. | "Solidified, concentrated soup." Ultimate convenience, but highest in additives/salt. |
How to Choose:
1. For those seeking healthier, purer flavor enhancement and skilled cooks: MSG is the first choice, allowing for self-control of salt and flavor.
2. For everyday stir-fries and braised dishes at home, prioritizing convenience and complex flavors: Chicken bouillon is the most versatile and balanced choice.
3. For enhancing the flavor of meats, making fillings, or dipping sauces: Chicken powder is more effective.
4. For those who don't want to make soup at all and just want a quick pot of savory broth (such as quick soup base or hot pot broth): Use soup cubes, but be sure to pay attention to the saltiness and dilute with water as needed.


For flavorings, please contact Tianjin Sino Chemical Co., Ltd.