Do Kraft Singles Have MSG? An Analysis of Ingredients

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), added MSG is considered “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). When it comes to processed foods, many consumers ask the question: do Kraft Singles have MSG? The answer, based on a review of their official ingredient list, is that Kraft Singles do not contain added monosodium glutamate, but they do naturally contain glutamates from milk and cheese.

Quick Summary

Kraft Singles do not contain added MSG, according to their official ingredient list, but naturally occurring glutamates are present from dairy components like cheese and milk. Consumers can verify this by checking the ingredient panel on the product packaging for clarification.

Key Points

No Added MSG: Kraft Singles' official ingredient list does not include added monosodium glutamate.
Natural Glutamates Present: The product contains naturally occurring glutamates from dairy ingredients like milk and cheddar cheese.
FDA's Stance: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers added MSG "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS).
Additive Purpose: The additives in Kraft Singles are primarily for emulsification, stabilization, and preservation, not for flavor enhancement via MSG.
Labeling Matters: It's crucial to distinguish between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates when reading food labels.
Umami Source: The savory (umami) taste comes from the natural glutamates in the cheese and milk ingredients, similar to what's found in aged cheeses or tomatoes.

Decoding the Kraft Singles Ingredients

For consumers concerned about food additives, the official ingredient list is the most reliable source of information. A review of the Kraft Singles American Cheese Slices ingredient list shows that monosodium glutamate is not included as an added ingredient. However, this does not mean the product is entirely free of glutamates, the chemical compound responsible for the umami flavor that MSG enhances. Glutamates occur naturally in many foods, including aged cheese, tomatoes, and fermented soy products.

The Ingredient List Breakdown

Let's examine the primary components found in a typical package of Kraft Singles American Slices:

Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes): This is the base of the product, providing the initial source of flavor and glutamates. Aged cheddar is known for its high natural glutamate content.
Skim Milk and Milkfat: Additional dairy components that naturally contain glutamic acid, contributing to the overall glutamate profile.
Milk Protein Concentrate and Whey: Other dairy derivatives that are naturally rich in protein, which includes glutamic acid.
Sodium Phosphate and Calcium Phosphate: Emulsifying salts that help create the smooth, melty texture of processed cheese. They are not flavor enhancers in the same way as MSG.
Modified Food Starch: A stabilizer and thickening agent.
Lactic Acid: Provides a tangy flavor and acts as a preservative.
Annatto and Oleoresin Paprika: Natural colorings to give the cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue.
Natamycin: A natural mold inhibitor used as a preservative.

Added MSG vs. Natural Glutamates

It is important to differentiate between monosodium glutamate (added MSG) and naturally occurring glutamates. Monosodium glutamate is a specific food additive used to enhance savory flavors. Naturally occurring glutamates, on the other hand, are amino acids found in protein-rich foods and are chemically identical to the glutamate in MSG. The human body processes both forms in the same way. The savory taste experienced when eating aged cheeses like Parmesan, mushrooms, or tomatoes is due to their high concentration of natural glutamates. Since Kraft Singles are made with real cheddar cheese and milk ingredients, they will naturally contain these glutamates, but no additional monosodium glutamate is used to boost the flavor artificially.

Reading Food Labels for Hidden Glutamates

While Kraft Singles do not list MSG, some other processed foods might include ingredients that naturally contain high levels of glutamates. The FDA requires that any product with added MSG be labeled clearly as such. However, if a product contains ingredients that are naturally high in glutamate, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, or yeast extract, the label does not need to specify that it contains MSG. This distinction is key for consumers who are sensitive to glutamates in general, not just the added form. Foods with natural sources of glutamate also cannot claim "No MSG" on their packaging.

Why Processed Cheese Uses Emulsifiers, Not MSG

Unlike natural, aged cheeses that develop deep flavor profiles over time, processed cheese slices are designed for a consistent, mild taste and superior meltability. The primary function of the additives in processed cheese is not to add a savory punch via MSG, but to ensure consistency, shelf stability, and a reliable melting texture. Emulsifying salts like sodium phosphate prevent the fat from separating from the protein, a common problem with natural cheese when heated, which results in the perfectly uniform melt that Kraft Singles are known for. The mild, creamy flavor comes from a combination of the real cheese base and other dairy derivatives, with the natural glutamates from those components contributing to the overall taste profile.

Comparison: Kraft Singles vs. Natural Cheese


Feature	Kraft Singles	Aged Natural Cheese (e.g., Parmesan)
Added MSG	No	No
Natural Glutamates	Yes, from cheese and milk	Very high, developed during aging
Purpose of Additives	Emulsification, stabilization, preservation	None required for flavor enhancement
Flavor Profile	Mild, creamy, consistent	Complex, nutty, savory (umami)
Melting Properties	Extremely smooth and reliable	Can separate into fat and solids when heated
Aging Process	None	Aged for months or years to develop flavor

Conclusion: No Added MSG, But Natural Glutamates are Present

In summary, consumers can be confident that Kraft Singles do not contain added monosodium glutamate, as it is not listed in the product's ingredients. The product's savory flavor is instead derived from the naturally occurring glutamates present in its dairy-based ingredients, such as cheddar cheese, milk, and whey. It is a common misconception that all processed foods are loaded with MSG, but in the case of Kraft Singles, the official label clearly shows a different picture. For those sensitive to glutamates, whether added or natural, checking the full ingredient list is always the best course of action. If you'd like more information on the FDA's stance on MSG, you can refer to their official Q&A page. The key takeaway is to read the label and understand the difference between a specific additive and a naturally occurring amino acid.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Kraft Singles do not contain added monosodium glutamate. The official ingredient list does not include it.

The savory flavor comes from naturally occurring glutamates found in the dairy ingredients, such as the cheddar cheese and milk used to make the product.

Added MSG is a specific food additive, while natural glutamates are amino acids that occur naturally in many protein-rich foods like cheese and tomatoes. They are chemically identical and processed the same way by the human body.

Kraft Singles use emulsifying salts like sodium phosphate, natural colors like annatto, and preservatives such as natamycin to ensure a consistent texture, appearance, and shelf life.

The FDA requires ingredients like hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, or yeast extract to be listed on the ingredient panel, which are known for containing natural glutamates. Foods with naturally occurring glutamate sources cannot claim "No MSG".

For the vast majority of people, natural glutamates are not a health concern. They are a normal part of the diet. Only a small population reports sensitivity to high concentrations of glutamates.

This is often a misconception due to the savory flavor profile and the nature of processed foods. However, the official ingredient list is the definitive source, and it clearly omits added MSG.