What is MSG? Understanding the Savory Flavor
Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods, including tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheeses. It is widely used as a food additive to enhance savory, or "umami," flavors. The human body processes both added MSG and the glutamate found naturally in food in the same way. However, its use has been a subject of controversy for decades, leading many consumers to seek out foods without it. This has prompted manufacturers to sometimes use alternative ingredients that contain naturally-occurring free glutamate to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Unmasking Hidden MSG in Store-Bought Broth
While the FDA requires manufacturers to list added MSG as "monosodium glutamate" on ingredient labels, it does not require a similar disclosure for ingredients that naturally contain free glutamate. This means that a product claiming "No Added MSG" can still contain significant amounts of free glutamate from other sources. Being a savvy label reader is therefore crucial for anyone looking to avoid this flavor enhancer.
The usual suspects: MSG's aliases
When examining the ingredient list on a package of chicken broth, be on the lookout for these common terms that indicate the presence of free glutamate, which functions similarly to MSG:
- Yeast Extract: A concentrated flavoring derived from yeast, often used to impart a savory, umami flavor. It is one of the most common ways manufacturers add glutamate without listing "MSG."
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP): A flavoring agent created by boiling vegetables like corn or soy in acid to break down their proteins into amino acids, including glutamate.
- Natural Flavors: This is a broad and vague term that can legally hide a multitude of ingredients, including those rich in free glutamate, designed to enhance the savory taste.
- Autolyzed Yeast Extract: Similar to yeast extract, this is a flavor enhancer created from yeast that has been broken down, releasing its glutamates.
- Soy Extracts and Protein Isolate: These protein-rich ingredients can also contain naturally occurring free glutamates, especially when processed.
Spotting natural glutamate sources
Beyond these processed flavor enhancers, certain naturally occurring ingredients are also high in glutamate. These are not hidden, but knowing they contribute to the broth's umami flavor profile can inform your choice. For instance, some broths might include tomato or mushroom concentrate for deeper flavor. While this is a more natural approach, it will still contain free glutamate.
Why do manufacturers add MSG (or glutamate sources)?
For food manufacturers, the motivation behind adding MSG or other glutamate sources is clear: to create a more appealing and satisfying flavor. The umami taste is highly prized and can make broths taste richer and more complex, mimicking the flavor of a long-simmered homemade stock in a fraction of the time. For mass-market products, this saves time and costs associated with using higher-quality, fresh ingredients for flavoring. It allows them to produce a consistent-tasting product that encourages consumers to come back for more.
MSG and health: Debunking the myths
Despite persistent rumors and negative press, the scientific community and regulatory bodies like the FDA have consistently concluded that MSG is safe for consumption in typical amounts. Concerns about negative reactions, sometimes called "MSG symptom complex" or "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," have not been consistently replicated in controlled studies, especially when MSG is consumed as part of a meal. While a small subset of the population may be particularly sensitive and experience mild, short-lived symptoms, this affects very few people. For most, a bigger nutritional concern with many store-bought broths is the high sodium content, which far exceeds the sodium contribution of the MSG itself.
How to choose an MSG-free store-bought chicken broth
For those who prefer to avoid MSG and other free-glutamate sources, a little effort in the grocery aisle is required. Here's a strategy for making an informed choice:
- Look for simple ingredient lists: Quality broths often have a straightforward list of ingredients, such as water, chicken, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and spices. The fewer ingredients, the less likely it is to contain hidden fillers or enhancers.
- Choose "No Salt Added" or "Low Sodium" varieties: These products are often cleaner because high sodium content and flavor enhancers go hand-in-hand. By starting with a lower sodium base, you can control the seasoning yourself.
- Opt for organic and premium brands: Higher-end or organic brands sometimes pride themselves on using whole-food ingredients and avoiding common additives. Be sure to still check the ingredient list, as some organic products may still use yeast extract.
- Consider bone broths: Some bone broth products focus on natural, slow-simmered flavor and may have cleaner ingredient lists. Always read the label, as some still add yeast extract or other flavors.
Comparison Table: Common Broth Ingredients
| Ingredient | Common Broth | Clean-Label Broth |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken stock, chicken fat | Organic chicken, chicken bones |
| Salt | Salt, sea salt | Sea salt |
| Vegetables | Dehydrated onions, carrot concentrate, natural flavors | Carrots, celery, onion, parsley |
| Flavor Enhancers | Yeast extract, hydrolyzed corn protein, spices | None or specific herbs and spices |
| Other | Dextrose, corn syrup, maltodextrin, caramel color | Water, apple cider vinegar |
Homemade chicken broth: The ultimate control
For ultimate control over ingredients and flavor, making your own chicken broth is the best option. You can use chicken bones, vegetable scraps, and herbs to create a delicious, nutrient-rich broth without any added or hidden glutamates. This ensures that your broth contains only what you choose to put in it.
Conclusion: Making informed choices
So, does store-bought chicken broth have MSG? Many do, either explicitly as monosodium glutamate or, more commonly, as hidden sources of free glutamate like yeast extract and natural flavors. While regulatory bodies deem MSG safe, many consumers prefer to avoid it. By carefully examining ingredient labels and understanding the common aliases for glutamate, you can confidently select a product that aligns with your dietary preferences. For guaranteed MSG-free broth, a homemade version is the surest route.
Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
