Does Bob Evans Sausage Have MSG in It?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 40 years of research have confirmed monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a safe food additive, yet many consumers still scrutinize product labels to avoid it. Whether Bob Evans sausage has MSG depends on the specific product, as some are marked 'No MSG' while others list monosodium glutamate in the ingredients.

Quick Summary

Bob Evans' ingredient use can vary by product line, so consumers must check labels carefully. While some products, particularly the 'All Natural' varieties, explicitly state they contain no MSG, others, including certain Original Pork Sausage products, list monosodium glutamate as an ingredient.

Key Points

Label Reading is Essential: Whether Bob Evans sausage contains MSG depends on the specific product, so always check the ingredient label.
'All Natural' Options are MSG-Free: Bob Evans produces an 'All Natural' line of sausage, which is explicitly labeled as containing no MSG.
Standard Products may contain MSG: Product lines such as the 'Original Roll Pork Sausage' and certain sausage links list monosodium glutamate as an ingredient.
MSG is a Flavor Enhancer: Companies like Bob Evans use MSG to boost the savory, umami flavor of processed meats.
Natural Glutamates vs. Added MSG: The human body cannot distinguish between added MSG and natural glutamates found in foods like tomatoes and cheeses.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer derived from glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in many foods. It's used in processed foods to create a savory, umami flavor. For consumers concerned about food additives, it's critical to know that not all Bob Evans sausage products are made the same way. The inclusion of MSG depends entirely on the specific product formulation.

Why Some Bob Evans Products Contain MSG

In some of its formulations, Bob Evans includes monosodium glutamate as part of the seasoning blend to enhance the savory taste. The umami flavor that MSG provides can intensify the meaty notes and create a more robust flavor profile that many consumers enjoy. Since the FDA generally recognizes MSG as safe, its inclusion in certain processed products is completely legal and a standard industry practice. The use of MSG can also help reduce the overall sodium content while maintaining a salty flavor.

Bob Evans' 'All Natural' and 'No MSG' Labels

Bob Evans is transparent about its ingredients, and careful label reading is the key for consumers who want to avoid MSG. For instance, Bob Evans' 'All Natural Original Pork Sausage Roll' proudly states that it contains no MSG. The ingredient list for this product includes pork, water, sea salt, cane sugar, and spices—noticeably without monosodium glutamate. This highlights the company's commitment to offering options for consumers seeking products without this particular additive. This can be compared to older or different product lines, where monosodium glutamate was or is still listed as an ingredient.

Products and Ingredients: A Case-by-Case Look

For the consumer, this means the answer to "Does Bob Evans sausage have MSG?" isn't a simple yes or no. You must evaluate each product individually. The best practice is to always check the most current and specific ingredient list on the product packaging before purchase. Online ingredients lists, such as those found on retailer sites, may not always reflect the absolute latest formulation, but recent labels for products like the 'Original Roll Pork Sausage' and 'Original Pork Sausage Links' show monosodium glutamate as an ingredient, while 'All Natural' options do not.

Where to Check for MSG

BobEvansGrocery.com: The brand's official website often lists ingredients on specific product pages.
Product Packaging: The most reliable source is always the physical package you hold in your hand.
Food Ingredient Databases: Apps like Fig can provide allergen and ingredient information for various products, including specific Bob Evans sausage rolls.

The Umami Flavor without MSG

For those who wish to avoid MSG but still crave that deep, savory umami flavor, there are several naturally occurring alternatives that some manufacturers utilize. These include:

Yeast Extract: A common ingredient often used as a flavor enhancer, which contains naturally occurring glutamate.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP): Another source of natural glutamate that is sometimes used in place of MSG.
Tomato Concentrates and Sauces: Tomatoes are naturally rich in glutamates, providing a savory depth to foods.
Hard Cheeses: Aged cheeses like parmesan are known for their umami flavor due to their high glutamate content.

MSG vs. Natural Glutamates

It's important to understand the distinction between added monosodium glutamate and naturally occurring glutamates. The body processes both in the same way, but the quantity and source differ. Natural glutamates, from whole foods like cheese and tomatoes, are typically part of a balanced nutritional profile, while added MSG is a concentrated additive. Health experts and regulatory bodies widely agree that MSG is safe for most people in the amounts typically consumed. Concerns often stem from highly processed foods that may contain other less-healthy ingredients, rather than from the MSG itself.

Bob Evans Sausage Ingredient Comparison


Feature	Bob Evans 'Original Roll' Sausage	Bob Evans 'All Natural' Sausage
MSG Status	Contains Monosodium Glutamate	Explicitly labeled 'No MSG'
Key Ingredients	Pork, water, seasoning (contains MSG, dextrose, spices), potassium lactate	Pork, water, sea salt, cane sugar, spices, natural flavoring
Sourcing	Premium cuts of pork	Premium cuts of pork, minimally processed
Additives	Contains food additives like monosodium glutamate	Contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives
Flavor Profile	Traditional, savory flavor profile enhanced by added MSG	All-natural seasoning blend for savory taste

Conclusion

While the original or standard Bob Evans sausage products may contain MSG, the company has explicitly developed 'All Natural' versions that are free of monosodium glutamate. To find a definitive answer for a particular product, consumers should make it a habit to read the ingredients list on the packaging. For those who prefer to avoid all forms of added MSG, the 'All Natural' line offers a clear alternative, relying on simpler seasoning blends for its flavor. This practice allows consumers to make informed dietary decisions based on their preferences and health considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer derived from glutamic acid, an amino acid found in many foods. It is used to add a savory or umami flavor to products.

No, not all Bob Evans sausage products contain MSG. The company offers specific product lines, such as its 'All Natural' sausage, that are explicitly made without monosodium glutamate.

To know for certain, you must read the ingredient list on the product's packaging. The FDA requires manufacturers to list monosodium glutamate if it is directly added to a product.

Added MSG is a concentrated additive used for flavor enhancement, while natural glutamates are amino acids found inherently in foods like tomatoes, cheese, and yeast extract. The body processes both types similarly.

Yes, regulatory bodies like the FDA and numerous scientific studies have concluded that MSG is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for most people when consumed in normal amounts.

Yes, Bob Evans' 'All Natural' pork sausage roll and other similar products are specifically marketed as containing no MSG and no artificial ingredients.

While most people do not experience issues, a small percentage of the population may be sensitive to MSG and experience mild symptoms such as headaches or flushing. Concerns can also arise from associations with less-healthy processed foods.