MSG: Understanding What it Is
MSG, or Monosodium Glutamate, is a flavor enhancer used in many processed foods to give them a savory, 'umami' flavor. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in many foods. While MSG is most famously associated with Chinese cuisine, it is a common additive in a vast array of packaged foods, from soups to canned vegetables.
Glutamate is naturally occurring in foods such as tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and soy sauce. The key difference many consumers focus on is the 'added' MSG versus the naturally occurring glutamates within ingredients. The FDA requires that 'monosodium glutamate' be listed on the ingredient panel if it is directly added to a product. However, if an ingredient like 'hydrolyzed yeast extract' is used, it naturally contains MSG but does not need to be labeled as such.
Does Annie's Mac and Cheese contain MSG?
The short answer is no, Annie's mac and cheese does not contain added MSG. A review of the ingredient lists for several varieties, such as the Classic Cheddar and Shells & White Cheddar, shows no mention of 'monosodium glutamate'. Annie's prides itself on using 'simple, organic ingredients' and avoids artificial flavors and synthetic colors.
However, it's essential to understand the nuances of food labeling. The cheese powder in Annie's mac and cheese is made with real cheese and milk ingredients. Cheese is a food that naturally contains high levels of glutamate. Therefore, while no synthetic MSG is added, the mac and cheese still contains naturally occurring glutamates from the cheese and other ingredients.
Annie's Ingredient Review
Let's break down the ingredients for the Annie's Organic Classic Cheddar Mac & Cheese:
- Organic Pasta (organic wheat flour): The base of the meal.
- Organic Whey: A milk protein that can contain natural glutamate.
- Organic Cultured Cream & Organic Nonfat Milk: Dairy products that naturally contain glutamate.
- Salt: A basic seasoning.
- Organic Butter: Another dairy product with natural glutamate.
- Organic Dried Cheddar Cheese: A significant source of natural glutamate.
- Organic Corn Starch: A thickening agent.
- Organic Annatto Extract (for color): A natural colorant.
- Citric Acid & Lactic Acid: Acidity regulators that contribute to the flavor profile.
- Sodium Phosphate: An emulsifying salt.
- Silicon Dioxide: An anti-caking agent.
Key Takeaways from Ingredients
From this list, it's clear that Annie's does not directly add MSG. The cheese and milk ingredients, however, provide the natural glutamates responsible for the savory umami flavor that customers enjoy. For those with severe MSG sensitivities, it's worth noting that consuming large quantities of any glutamate, whether added or natural, might trigger a reaction. For most people, however, the naturally occurring glutamate is well-tolerated.
How to Check for Hidden MSG
Even in products with 'No added MSG' claims, it's good practice to be an educated consumer. Here are some ingredients to look for that can signal the presence of naturally occurring glutamates:
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
- Hydrolyzed Yeast or Autolyzed Yeast Extract
- Soy Extracts
- Protein Isolate
- Gelatin
- Maltodextrin
- Malt Extract
- Natural Flavoring (can sometimes contain hidden glutamates)
Natural Glutamates vs. Added MSG
| Feature | Naturally Occurring Glutamates | Added Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Found naturally in whole foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and meat. | A synthetic food additive created through fermentation of sugars or starches. |
| Labeling | Not required to be labeled as 'MSG'; listed under the source ingredient (e.g., 'cheddar cheese'). | Must be listed on the ingredient panel as 'monosodium glutamate'. |
| Concentration | Generally lower and more dispersed within the food matrix. | Highly concentrated and added for a specific flavor-enhancing purpose. |
| Health Impact | Well-tolerated by most people as part of a whole-food diet. | Can cause 'MSG symptom complex' in a small percentage of sensitive individuals, especially in high, concentrated doses. |
| Flavor Profile | Contributes to the overall umami flavor of a food. | Intensifies and enhances the savory flavor. |
Conclusion
For consumers asking, "Does Annie's mac and cheese contain MSG?", the answer is definitively no added MSG, based on a review of its ingredient lists. The company adheres to a commitment of using real, simple ingredients, and any glutamate present comes naturally from the dairy products used in the cheese powder. This means that while it avoids the directly added synthetic enhancer, the product still contains natural glutamates. For those seeking to avoid all forms of glutamate, careful reading of ingredient lists for natural sources, like yeast extracts or hydrolyzed proteins, is crucial. For the vast majority of people, Annie's remains a good choice for a processed mac and cheese that avoids synthetic flavor enhancers. For more information, the FDA provides a useful Q&A on monosodium glutamate.
