Decoding the Label: Does Herbox Have MSG in Its Bouillon?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

While many consumers purchase Herb-Ox bouillon for its flavor, the question 'Does Herbox have MSG?' often arises due to concerns about food additives. The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific product and its ingredients.

Quick Summary

An investigation into Herb-Ox products reveals that while some varieties are labeled 'No MSG added,' others contain ingredients with natural glutamates or related flavor enhancers. It is crucial to read the specific product's ingredient list to determine its content.

Key Points

Herbox products vary in glutamate content: Different formulations, such as standard vs. sodium-free bouillon, contain different flavor enhancers and glutamate sources.
"No MSG added" does not mean glutamate-free: Some labels state 'No MSG added', but this only excludes monosodium glutamate, not other glutamate-containing ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins or yeast extracts.
Some products list specific glutamate compounds: Ingredients like monoammonium glutamate are explicitly included in certain Herb-Ox varieties, especially the sodium-free options.
Hydrolyzed proteins and yeast extract are sources of glutamates: Look for these ingredients on the label, as they are known to contain naturally occurring free glutamates.
Always check the ingredients list: The only definitive way to know what is in your bouillon is to read the ingredient list on the product packaging, not just rely on front-of-package marketing.
Disodium inosinate and guanylate amplify flavor: These ingredients are used to boost the umami flavor of glutamates and are present in many Herb-Ox products.

The Nuance of MSG and Flavor Enhancers

For many people, the term 'MSG' (monosodium glutamate) is used as a blanket term for flavor enhancers that cause sensitivities. However, the world of ingredients is more nuanced. Monosodium glutamate is just one type of flavor additive, and other ingredients can contain naturally occurring or processed free glutamates, which have a similar flavor-enhancing effect. Food manufacturers can use ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins, yeast extracts, or other glutamate-based compounds to create a savory taste profile without explicitly adding MSG. This practice can lead to confusion for consumers, particularly those with sensitivities or who prefer to avoid all added glutamates.

The search results highlight this exact scenario with Herb-Ox. While some product pages on retailer websites and some product fact sheets claim "No MSG added" for specific varieties, a closer look at the actual ingredient lists for some products reveals other additives. This is why relying solely on a simple front-of-package claim can be misleading, and checking the full ingredients list is the only way to be sure.

A Closer Look at Herb-Ox Ingredients

Upon review of various Herb-Ox product ingredient lists, a clear pattern emerges regarding the use of flavor enhancers. The company offers different formulations, and the ingredients can vary significantly between standard and sodium-free versions, as well as between bouillon cubes and granulated packets.

Herb-Ox Sodium-Free Chicken Bouillon

A fact sheet for the Sodium Free Chicken Bouillon Packets lists Monoammonium Glutamate as an ingredient. This is a distinct flavor enhancer from monosodium glutamate but is still a glutamate compound. It is often used in combination with disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, which are also listed in these products, to create a strong umami flavor.

Herb-Ox Beef Bouillon

For Herb-Ox Beef Bouillon Packets, the ingredient list includes Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Yeast Extract. These ingredients are well-known sources of naturally occurring free glutamates. While monosodium glutamate may not be directly added, the presence of these compounds means the product contains free glutamates that contribute to its savory profile.

Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate

These two flavor enhancers are frequently found in Herb-Ox products alongside other glutamate sources. They are often used synergistically with glutamates to amplify the umami taste. Products containing these additives, along with hydrolyzed proteins or yeast extracts, will have a similar flavor profile to those with added MSG, despite a 'No MSG added' claim.

Comparison of Herb-Ox Bouillon Products

To clarify the differences, here is a comparison table of common Herb-Ox product types and their respective flavor-enhancing ingredients based on available information.


Product Type	"No MSG Added" Claim	Flavor Enhancing Ingredients	Notes on Glutamates
Chicken Bouillon Cubes	Yes	Natural Flavor (Autolyzed Yeast Extract), Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate	Contains natural glutamates from Yeast Extract
Sodium Free Chicken Packets	No	Monoammonium Glutamate, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate	Contains added glutamate compound
Beef Bouillon Packets	No	Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Autolyzed Yeast, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate	Contains natural glutamates from Soy Protein and Yeast
Sodium Free Beef Packets	No	Monoammonium Glutamate, Yeast Extract, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate	Contains added glutamate and natural glutamates

How to Interpret Food Labels for Glutamates

Navigating ingredient labels is crucial for anyone seeking to avoid glutamates. Here is a quick guide to help you identify ingredients that may contain or produce free glutamates:

Hydrolyzed Protein: This ingredient (from soy, corn, wheat, etc.) is a rich source of free glutamates created through a chemical process.
Yeast Extract: A flavor enhancer derived from yeast, this ingredient is another common source of natural free glutamates.
Autolyzed Yeast Extract: A form of yeast extract, also a source of free glutamates.
Monoammonium Glutamate: A distinct, but related, glutamate-based flavor enhancer.
Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate: These are not glutamates themselves but are often used with them to amplify the savory taste.
Natural Flavoring: This is a broad category, but in savory products, it can sometimes indicate the presence of flavors containing free glutamates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the simple question "Does Herbox have MSG?" leads to a nuanced answer. While the company produces varieties that are explicitly labeled "No MSG added", this does not mean the products are free of all glutamates. Ingredient analysis of different Herb-Ox products shows the inclusion of other flavor enhancers, such as monoammonium glutamate, hydrolyzed soy protein, and yeast extract. These ingredients contain or are sources of free glutamates that provide a similar savory taste. For consumers who want to avoid all free glutamates, regardless of their source, it is essential to meticulously check the ingredient list of each specific Herb-Ox product. The claim "No MSG added" on a product does not guarantee the absence of other glutamate-containing ingredients.

Is MSG a Health Concern?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that is "generally recognized as safe". The glutamate in MSG is chemically indistinguishable from glutamate that occurs naturally in foods like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. For the vast majority of the population, MSG consumption is not a concern. However, a small portion of the population may experience short-term, mild symptoms such as headaches, flushing, or sweating after consuming food with MSG. These reactions are not considered a true allergy. For those concerned about all forms of free glutamates, reading ingredient labels is the most reliable strategy. The key is understanding that 'no MSG added' is not the same as 'no glutamates,' and Herbox products illustrate this distinction clearly. For more information on food additives, consider consulting the official FDA website for its guidelines. FDA Food Additive Status List

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Herb-Ox products contain MSG, but some do include other flavor-enhancing ingredients that are sources of free glutamates, such as hydrolyzed proteins, yeast extracts, or monoammonium glutamate.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a specific sodium salt of glutamic acid. Monoammonium glutamate is a related, but distinct, ammonium salt of glutamic acid, also used as a flavor enhancer. Both are regulated and recognized as safe by the FDA.

No. While they are free of added salt and often labeled 'no MSG added,' some sodium-free versions, like the granulated chicken bouillon, explicitly list monoammonium glutamate in their ingredients.

If you are sensitive to free glutamates, you should carefully read the ingredient list of each specific product. As some Herb-Ox varieties contain ingredients like yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein, which are sources of free glutamates, they may trigger a reaction.

This label indicates that monosodium glutamate was not added as a direct ingredient. However, it does not exclude the use of other ingredients that naturally contain or create free glutamates, such as hydrolyzed protein or yeast extract.

Hydrolyzed proteins are processed protein ingredients derived from plant or animal sources. During processing, the proteins are broken down into their constituent amino acids, which releases free glutamates and enhances the savory flavor.

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the product packaging itself. Manufacturer fact sheets, such as those found on sites like Lyons Health Labs, are also good sources of information.