Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Umami
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Umami: The taste of substances such as glutamate and monosodium glutamate (MSG) that are found in foods like bouillon and other stocks. Umami is the fifth primary element of taste. The other four are sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It was discovered in 1907 by Kikunae Ikeda. Umami is the Japanese word for delicious flavor.