Ingredient

Amino Acid

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Amino acids are used to enhance flavor, particularly savory (umami) notes, and to improve …

What it is

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 common types, and they can be found naturally in protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and beans. In food production, they can be synthesized or derived from plant or animal sources.

Why it's used

Amino acids are used to enhance flavor, particularly savory (umami) notes, and to improve the nutritional profile of foods. They are often found in processed meats, seasonings, powdered drinks, and snacks.

Health notes

Amino acids are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food ingredients. They are essential components of a healthy diet. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated amino acids, and EFSA has also reviewed their safety. At typical intake levels from food, they are not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Amino acids themselves are not among the 9 major allergens. However, if derived from sources like soy or wheat, they could potentially carry allergen traces. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and is not an amino acid.

Products containing Amino Acid

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KC CENTRAL TRADING CO. Kc Central Trading Co., Pickled Radish Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 49% DV per serving 40kcal 2Protein 0Fat 8Carbs Seoul Trading, Instant Seasoning, Wasabi Furikake SEOUL TRADING Seoul Trading, Instant Seasoning, Wasabi Furikake Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 400kcal 20Protein 10Fat 40Carbs SANRIO CO., LTD Sanrio, Hello Kitty, Instant Seasoning, Egg Furikake Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 400kcal 0Protein 20Fat 40Carbs EZAKI GLICO Ezaki Glico, Pocky, Matcha Green Tea Powdered Drinks 524kcal 9.5Protein 23.8Fat 66.7Carbs JFC INTERNATIONAL Jfc International, Wheat Snack Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 423kcal 3.3Protein 10Fat 76.7Carbs FIRST PACIFIC TRADING CO. First Pacific Trading Co., Nori Arare Wasabi Other Snacks High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 607kcal 7.1Protein 42.9Fat 46.4Carbs JFC INTERNATIONAL Jfc International, Kani Chips, Crab Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 477kcal 3.3Protein 20Fat 73.3Carbs Futaba, Instant Seasoning FUTABA Futaba, Instant Seasoning Herbs & Spices 600kcal 40Protein 40Fat 40Carbs ISOJIMAN NORI NORI Isojiman Nori Nori, Seasoned Laver Vegetable and Lentil Mixes High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 137kcal 3.3Protein 0Fat 30Carbs NOT A BRANDED ITEM Sanko No Kaki No Tane Ume Zarame Rice Cracker Crackers & Biscotti 500kcal 16.7Protein 26.7Fat 53.3Carbs NOT A BRANDED ITEM Red Chili Pepper Tempura Seaweed Snacks Other Snacks High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 600kcal 6.7Protein 43.3Fat 43.3Carbs KORCHIC FROZEN FOODS CO. Korchic Frozen Foods Co., Shrimp Sauce, Chili, Chili Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 2680kcal 22.5Protein 268Fat 45Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.