Do Any Fast Food Places Use MSG in Their Food?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, MSG is a controversial food additive found in a wide variety of processed products. Yes, many fast food places use MSG, but its inclusion varies significantly by restaurant and specific menu item. Understanding where it's used and why requires a closer look at the practices of major chains.

Quick Summary

Several prominent fast food chains, including KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes, utilize MSG as a flavor enhancer in select menu items. It provides a savory umami taste, particularly in fried chicken and other seasoned products. Consumers should check ingredient statements for specific information, as some chains also offer MSG-free options.

Key Points

Prevalent in Fast Food: Many fast-food chains, particularly those known for their seasoned chicken and sauces, use added MSG to boost umami flavor.
Varies by Restaurant: Some chains, like KFC and Popeyes, widely use MSG, while others, such as Chick-fil-A, only use it in specific menu items and offer MSG-free alternatives.
FDA Safe Status: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes MSG as safe, but mandates that it be listed on ingredient labels when added directly.
Hidden Sources: MSG can be listed under different names, including 'hydrolyzed protein' or 'autolyzed yeast extract,' making it important to read labels carefully.
Information is Available: Consumers can access ingredient lists on most major fast-food websites and apps to verify if an item contains MSG before ordering.
Not a Universal Practice: Some fast-food chains or specific items contain no added MSG, especially those focused on more natural ingredients.

Why Fast Food Chains Use MSG

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a popular food additive that enhances flavor, particularly the savory, umami taste. First identified by a Japanese chemist in 1908, it is an ingredient derived from L-glutamic acid. In the fast-food industry, where consistent and appealing flavors are paramount, MSG is used to intensify the taste of processed meats, seasoned coatings, and sauces. Its use can also allow for a reduction in overall sodium content without sacrificing flavor. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as "generally recognized as safe," its presence is a point of concern for some consumers, prompting many chains to be more transparent about its inclusion.

Fast Food Chains and Their MSG Practices

This is not an exhaustive list, as ingredient formulations can change. Always check the official restaurant websites or apps for the most up-to-date nutritional and ingredient information.

Fast Food Places Confirmed to Use MSG

KFC: Famed for its extra crispy fried chicken, KFC uses MSG as a key ingredient to achieve its signature savory flavor profile. The flavor enhancer is present in many of their seasoned products, from the fried chicken to the nuggets.
Chick-fil-A: While some menu items are MSG-free, Chick-fil-A explicitly states that MSG is present in some of their offerings. Their fried chicken sandwich and nuggets, which are widely popular, are among the items confirmed to contain MSG.
Popeyes: Similar to its competitors, Popeyes uses MSG in its popular chicken sandwich and fried chicken products to amplify flavor.
Taco Bell: MSG is listed in the seasoned beef for many of their menu items. However, its inclusion may be limited to specific ingredients, not all menu offerings.
Wendy's: Some of Wendy's menu items, particularly certain sauces and meat seasonings, have been reported to contain MSG.

Fast Food Chains with Limited or No Added MSG

While finding a completely MSG-free fast-food chain can be challenging due to its presence in many processed ingredients, some offer more options or a different approach:

Burger King: Uses MSG in selected items, rather than across its entire menu.
McDonald's: Reports suggest McDonald's has historically used MSG in certain products, but currently does not use it in the majority of its nationally available menu items. It is always best to check specific item ingredients.
Five Guys: Is generally known for using fresh ingredients and has not been publicly identified as a major user of added MSG, though it is wise to confirm via their official website.

How to Identify MSG on a Menu

For consumers wishing to avoid or limit MSG, knowing how to identify it is crucial. The FDA requires that MSG be listed on an ingredient panel when used as a direct additive. However, MSG can also be hidden under other names or included in naturally occurring forms. Here is a list of terms that can indicate the presence of free glutamate, the active component of MSG:

Monosodium glutamate
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Hydrolyzed yeast
Autolyzed yeast extract
Protein isolate
Textured protein
Yeast extract
Natural flavors (which may or may not contain it)

Comparison Table: Fast Food Chains and MSG Use


Fast Food Chain	Major MSG-Containing Items	MSG-Free Options	Best Practice for Consumers
KFC	Fried chicken, Nuggets	None specified in search	Assume most seasoned, fried items contain MSG
Chick-fil-A	Fried chicken sandwich, Nuggets	Grilled chicken, Salads, Waffle Fries	Check website for item-specific ingredient list
Popeyes	Fried chicken sandwich, Fried chicken	None specified in search	Assume most seasoned, fried items contain MSG
Taco Bell	Seasoned beef	Potential for some items, check app	Verify ingredients for specific menu items
McDonald's	Potentially older fried chicken products	Most regular menu items	Check ingredients for new or limited-time items
Burger King	Select grilled and seasoned items	Varies by location and item	Use the restaurant's online ingredient guide

Conclusion

Yes, many popular fast-food restaurants, especially those specializing in fried chicken and other heavily seasoned fare, use added MSG to enhance the flavor of their food. Prominent examples include KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes, though its usage can be item-specific. For health-conscious consumers or those sensitive to MSG, checking a restaurant's official ingredient statement is the most reliable way to know for certain. The good news is that many chains are more transparent about their ingredients than in the past, and some even offer explicitly MSG-free options. By being an informed customer and knowing what to look for on ingredient lists, you can make more deliberate choices about the food you consume. For further reading, Harvard Health provides a detailed explanation of what MSG is and why it's used, along with its FDA status, here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/monosodium-glutamate-msg-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-avoiding-foods-that-contain-it.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer that provides a savory, umami taste. Fast food chains add it to items like fried chicken coatings, sauces, and seasonings to intensify and improve the food's flavor.

Several chains use MSG, with some of the most well-known examples being KFC, Chick-fil-A (in certain items), and Popeyes. The use varies, so checking the restaurant's website is the best approach.

No, not all fast-food chains use added MSG across their entire menu. For example, Chick-fil-A offers some MSG-free items, and McDonald's reportedly does not use it in most of its standard menu.

If added directly, the FDA requires that monosodium glutamate be listed on the ingredient statement. However, it may also be found under other names like 'hydrolyzed protein' or within the term 'natural flavors'.

In most fast-food restaurant settings, food is prepared from pre-processed ingredients containing MSG, so a special request is unlikely to be honored. Your best bet is to choose items explicitly listed as MSG-free, such as Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken.

Yes, other chains like Wendy's and Taco Bell use MSG in some menu items, particularly in seasoned meat or breading. Many processed foods, including sauces and seasoning packets, can contain MSG.

The FDA considers MSG to be generally recognized as safe, though a small subset of people may experience sensitivity. Concerns often focus on the fact that MSG is used in highly processed foods that are high in sodium and unhealthy ingredients.