Does Domino's use MSG in pizza? The nuanced answer for your nutrition diet

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Many fast-food chains utilize monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer, leading to concerns for those managing their diet. For pizza lovers, a common question arises: Does Domino's use MSG in pizza? The answer is not a simple yes or no and depends heavily on the specific product and geographical region.

Quick Summary

Investigate whether Domino's uses MSG by reviewing its ingredients list and regional variations. Understand the difference between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates found in many pizza ingredients, impacting your nutritional considerations.

Key Points

Regional Differences in MSG Use: Domino's policy on MSG varies by region; while pizzas in the UK and Australia are MSG-free, some US menu items contain it.
MSG is an Ingredient in Some Domino's Products: In the US, ingredients for specific items like Buttermilk Ranch Sauce and Philly Cheesesteak meat list added MSG or related flavor enhancers.
Pizza Contains Natural Glutamates: Regardless of added MSG, pizza ingredients like cheese, tomato sauce, and mushrooms are naturally rich in glutamates, which provide umami flavor.
MSG is Generally Considered Safe: Health organizations like the FDA classify MSG as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for consumption by most people.
Focus on Overall Nutritional Profile: For a healthier diet, the high sodium, saturated fat, and calorie content of fast-food pizza are often more significant considerations than added MSG.
Learn to Read Ingredient Lists: Be aware of labeling practices and other ingredient names like 'yeast extract' that can indicate the presence of glutamate.

The Nuance in the Domino's Answer

According to official statements from some of its international branches, Domino's does not use MSG in its core pizza products. Domino's UK and Domino's Australia, for example, have explicitly stated that their pizza menus are MSG-free. This transparency is a key part of their corporate strategy to offer healthier ingredients. However, the situation is different when considering the full menu and specific regional markets, most notably in the United States.

Upon reviewing the ingredient list on the US Domino's website, it's clear that while MSG is not a standard ingredient in their pizza dough or classic pizza sauce, it is present in several other menu items. For instance, the ingredients for the Buttermilk Ranch Sauce clearly list Monosodium Glutamate. The seasoning for the Philly Steak meat also includes flavor enhancers, with the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich containing both disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate, which act synergistically with glutamate.

This means that a customer's intake of added MSG depends on their specific order. A simple cheese pizza may not contain added MSG, but adding a side of ranch dressing or ordering a specialty item like a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich could mean consuming it. This regional and product-specific variation is crucial for individuals making dietary choices.

MSG vs. Natural Glutamates in Pizza

Even when no MSG is added by a manufacturer, pizza is inherently rich in glutamates due to its core ingredients. Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid responsible for the savory umami flavor.

Pizza ingredients with high natural glutamate levels:

Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar naturally contain high concentrations of glutamate.
Tomatoes: The tomato paste and sauce used on pizzas are a significant source of natural glutamate.
Mushrooms: This popular pizza topping is another food with a naturally high glutamate content.
Processed Meats: Toppings like pepperoni and bacon often contain natural glutamate, in addition to any flavor enhancers that may be used during their processing.

This is an important distinction. The body processes added MSG in the same way it metabolizes natural glutamates found in foods. For most people, there is no difference in how their body reacts to one versus the other. The perceived adverse effects of MSG are often not consistently reproduced in controlled scientific studies.

The Health and Nutrition Perspective

While the debate over added MSG continues, a more comprehensive nutritional diet perspective on fast-food pizza should focus on other key components. Pizza, particularly from fast-food chains, is often high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat.

A nutritional comparison of fast food vs. homemade pizza


Feature	Fast Food Pizza (e.g., Domino's)	Homemade Pizza
Control over Ingredients	Limited; Dependent on menu options.	Full control over every component, from dough to toppings.
Added Flavor Enhancers	Can include MSG or other additives in certain products.	Optional; Can be made without any flavor enhancers.
Sodium Content	Often high due to processed meats, cheese, and sauces.	Can be carefully managed by controlling salt and processed ingredients.
Saturated Fat	High, especially with fatty meats and cheese.	Can be reduced by using leaner meats, less cheese, or alternative toppings.
Customization for Health	Limited to available ingredients and toppings.	Endless possibilities for healthier choices, such as whole wheat crusts and fresh vegetables.
Preparation Time	Minimal; Fast and convenient.	Requires more time for preparation.

Making Informed Dietary Choices

Understanding ingredient lists is crucial for those who are sensitive or concerned about food additives. On US products, the FDA requires that added MSG be labeled as "monosodium glutamate". However, naturally occurring glutamates found in ingredients like yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and soy sauce do not require the same explicit labeling, which can confuse some consumers.

Other fast food chains and MSG

It is worth noting that Domino's is not the only fast-food chain where MSG is a consideration. Several competitors openly use MSG in their products, especially their chicken items. This highlights that awareness of ingredient lists is important across the fast-food industry, not just for one specific chain.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

In conclusion, the question of whether Domino's uses MSG in pizza is not straightforward. While specific regional menus, such as in the UK and Australia, confirm that their pizzas are MSG-free, the additive can be found in other products like dipping sauces and certain sandwich fillings in the US. Instead of focusing solely on the presence or absence of added MSG, individuals aiming for a healthier nutrition diet should consider the overall profile of fast-food pizza, including its high levels of sodium and saturated fat. Making informed choices by reading ingredient lists and opting for homemade versions can provide greater control over dietary intake and promote healthier eating habits. For further research on MSG and its safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a reliable source.

A Quick Guide to Reading Ingredient Lists

Look for Monosodium Glutamate: This is the most direct indicator of added MSG, and is required to be listed explicitly.
Identify Hidden Sources: Be aware of other ingredients that contain high levels of naturally occurring glutamates, such as yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed protein (vegetable, corn, or soy), and soy extracts.
Check Sauces and Toppings: For fast food, always check the ingredients for dipping sauces, specialty toppings, and processed meats, as these are common places to find added flavor enhancers.
Consider Natural Glutamates: Remember that even without added MSG, the umami flavor from ingredients like cheese and tomatoes means your pizza will contain natural glutamates.
Regional Variation: What is true for one country's Domino's menu may not apply to another's. Always check the ingredient information for your specific location.

The takeaway: Focus on overall nutrition

For most people, a balanced and healthy diet should be the priority. While added MSG is a concern for some, a slice of fast-food pizza is more nutritionally defined by its high sodium, fat, and calorie content. Moderation and a greater emphasis on fresh, whole foods are the most impactful dietary strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to ingredients listed on some regional sites, like the US, the standard pizza sauce does not contain added MSG. However, the presence of MSG can be found in other sauces and dressings on the menu, and the sauce naturally contains glutamate from tomatoes.

No, not all fast-food pizzas are made with MSG. However, many fast-food chains use MSG in a variety of their products, and some pizza ingredients like cheese and tomatoes contain natural glutamates.

While you can customize your order to avoid products with added MSG (like certain sauces or toppings in the US), you cannot remove the naturally occurring glutamates in ingredients like cheese and tomato sauce.

Added MSG is a specific flavor enhancer ingredient, while natural glutamate is an amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods, including cheese and tomatoes. The body metabolizes both in the same way.

Extensive scientific research confirms that MSG is safe for most people, and health organizations like the FDA classify it as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). While some individuals report sensitivity, these claims are not consistently supported by controlled studies.

The best way is to check the ingredient information provided on the restaurant's website for your specific location. Look for "monosodium glutamate" and be aware of other ingredients that can contain glutamate, such as yeast extract.

Making pizza at home gives you full control over ingredients. You can reduce sodium by using less salt and processed meats, use leaner cheeses to cut saturated fat, and load up on fresh vegetables, which may not be an option at a fast-food chain.