Can you get MSG in the USA? A Comprehensive Guide

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, MSG is categorized as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) and is a common food additive in the American food supply. Contrary to persistent myths, you can readily find and buy MSG as a seasoning and in countless packaged goods across the United States.

Quick Summary

Monosodium glutamate is widely available in the USA as both a retail product and an additive in processed foods. The FDA has deemed it safe, and science has debunked many long-held myths regarding its health effects.

Key Points

Availability: MSG is widely available in the USA and can be purchased in mainstream grocery stores under the brand name Ac'cent, in Asian markets as Ajinomoto, and online.
FDA Approval: The FDA classifies MSG as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) and has found no consistent evidence linking it to adverse health effects at typical consumption levels.
Labeling: When added directly, MSG must be listed as "monosodium glutamate" on food labels. Naturally occurring glutamate in ingredients like yeast extract and hydrolyzed protein does not require this specific labeling.
Debunked Myths: The so-called "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" has been largely debunked by scientific studies and is considered a relic of speculation and cultural bias.
Prevalence: MSG is present in many common processed American foods, including canned soups, snack foods, deli meats, and condiments, not just in Asian cuisine.
Natural Sources: The glutamate in MSG is chemically identical to the glutamate found naturally in many foods like tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and mushrooms.
Sodium Reduction: MSG contains less sodium than table salt and can be used to enhance flavors, allowing for a reduction in the total sodium content of dishes.

MSG is Widely Available in the United States

While misinformation once suggested otherwise, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a legal and ubiquitous food additive in the USA. It's found in a variety of products, from everyday packaged goods to restaurant dishes, and is also sold as a standalone seasoning for home cooking. The key is knowing what to look for and where to find it.

Where to Find Added MSG for Home Cooking

For those who want to add a boost of savory umami flavor to their dishes, purchasing MSG is straightforward. It is not a specialty ingredient but a common seasoning found in several places:

Mainstream grocery stores: Check the spice aisle near the salt. A popular brand sold in many American supermarkets is Ac'cent.
Asian grocery markets: Look for brands like Ajinomoto, which is the company that first commercialized MSG. You'll often find it in larger packages at a more affordable price than its mainstream counterparts.
Online retailers: Websites like Amazon, along with various spice and seasoning retailers, offer several brands of MSG for purchase.

The FDA's Stance and US Labeling Rules

Since 1959, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), a status backed by extensive scientific evidence. The perception that MSG is a dangerous chemical is a myth, largely fueled by a speculative 1968 letter to a medical journal that described adverse symptoms. Decades of research and controlled studies have since failed to find a consistent causal link between MSG consumption and reported symptoms.

Regarding food labels, the FDA has specific regulations that help consumers identify added MSG:

Mandatory Declaration: If MSG is added directly as an ingredient, the label must list it specifically as "monosodium glutamate".
Naturally Occurring Glutamate: Some food ingredients, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, and soy extracts, contain naturally occurring glutamate. If these are used, the FDA does not require the label to also state that they contain MSG. This is a key reason why many products labeled "No MSG" may still contain free glutamate.
Labeling Restrictions: Brands that contain naturally occurring glutamate are prohibited from making "No added MSG" or "No MSG" claims, which can be misleading.

Comparing Natural vs. Added MSG

To better understand MSG, it's helpful to compare the glutamate found in whole foods with the additive used for seasoning. The body processes both types in the same way.


Feature	Naturally Occurring Glutamate	Added Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Source	Found in protein-rich foods like tomatoes, cheeses, and mushrooms.	Produced by fermenting starch, sugar cane, or molasses.
Chemical Form	Bound to other amino acids in protein structures; some free glutamate is also present.	Free-form glutamate, readily available for flavor enhancement.
Processing	Digested and absorbed more slowly as part of a whole food matrix.	Absorbed rapidly due to its free-form state.
Metabolism	Metabolized by the body identically to added MSG.	Metabolized by the body identically to natural glutamate.
Common Examples	Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, soy sauce.	Ac'cent, Ajinomoto, and seasonings in many processed foods.

MSG's Role in Common American Foods

Beyond the reputation of being a staple in Asian cuisine, MSG is a common ingredient in a vast range of American food products. This is because its umami-enhancing properties improve the flavor profile of many savory items.

Here are some common places you might find MSG in the American diet:

Snack Foods: Many popular potato chip brands, savory crackers, and nuts contain added MSG for a more satisfying taste.
Canned Soups and Stews: To enhance the brothy, savory flavor, MSG is often added to a variety of canned soups and bouillons.
Processed Meats: Items like hot dogs, deli meats, and sausage can include MSG to improve their meaty, savory qualities.
Condiments and Sauces: Salad dressings, ketchup, barbeque sauce, and marinades frequently list monosodium glutamate in their ingredients.
Fast Food and Restaurant Chains: Many restaurants, including fast-food chains, use MSG or ingredients containing natural glutamate to boost the flavor of their menu items.

Conclusion

Ultimately, can you get MSG in the USA? The answer is an unequivocal yes. It is a safe and regulated food additive found both as a retail product and as an ingredient in a wide array of foods. The lingering negative perception is a result of a historical misconception, not current scientific fact. With its ability to boost umami and potentially help reduce overall sodium intake, MSG remains a valuable tool in both commercial food production and home kitchens. For more information, the FDA provides a useful Q&A on monosodium glutamate on its website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can buy MSG in mainstream American grocery stores under the brand name Ac'cent, typically found in the spice aisle. For other brands like Ajinomoto, check Asian markets or various online retailers.

No, MSG is not banned in the US. The FDA considers it a safe food additive and has categorized it as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) since 1959.

Controlled scientific studies have not been able to consistently demonstrate that MSG causes adverse effects like headaches, validating the notion that 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' is largely a myth.

The FDA mandates that if MSG is added directly, it must be listed by its common name, "monosodium glutamate," in the ingredient panel.

Ingredients that naturally contain high levels of glutamate and don't have to be specifically labeled as MSG include hydrolyzed vegetable protein, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, and soy extracts.

Chemically, the body cannot distinguish between glutamate from natural sources like tomatoes and the added glutamate in MSG. Both are metabolized in the same way.

While the FDA considers MSG safe for the general population, some people self-identify as sensitive. However, studies have not been able to consistently provoke a reaction in these individuals when using controlled, double-blind methods.