Does Everything Seasoning Have MSG? A Label-Reading Guide

While Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a well-known food additive, it's also a common misconception that all seasoning blends, including everything seasoning, contain it. The truth is that while many blends are MSG-free, the presence of naturally occurring glutamates or other flavor-boosting ingredients can create a similar savory, umami flavor.

Quick Summary

Everything seasoning often does not contain added MSG, but ingredient lists must be read carefully. Some components like yeast extract or hydrolyzed proteins provide natural glutamates, which create a similar savory taste. This guide clarifies how to identify potential MSG sources in seasoning blends for informed dietary choices.

Key Points

• No Added MSG: Most reputable everything seasoning brands explicitly state that they contain no added monosodium glutamate on their labels.

• Natural Glutamate Sources: Dried garlic and onion, which are core ingredients, naturally contain glutamates that provide a savory, umami flavor.

• Read the Label: Be aware of 'hidden' concentrated glutamate sources like yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein, which may be labeled differently.

• Check Brand Integrity: Many brands, including Trader Joe's, ensure transparency by listing their ingredients and commitment to avoiding added MSG.

• DIY Control: Making homemade everything seasoning gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no unwanted additives are included.

The Truth Behind the "No MSG" Label

Most commercially available 'everything bagel' or 'everything but the bagel' seasoning blends explicitly state they contain no added MSG. For many consumers, this label is enough to put their minds at ease. However, the FDA's labeling rules distinguish between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates. This means that while pure monosodium glutamate isn't listed, some ingredients within the blend might contain naturally high levels of free glutamic acid, the amino acid that provides the savory 'umami' flavor associated with MSG.

Common Ingredients in Everything Seasoning

At its core, everything seasoning is a mix of simple, whole ingredients that are unlikely to contain significant amounts of added MSG. The classic blend is based on the toppings of an 'everything' bagel and includes:

• Poppy Seeds: Tiny, crunchy seeds that offer a subtle nutty flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Both white and black sesame seeds are common, providing a rich, nutty, and toasty element.
• Dried Minced Onion: Adds a pungent, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.
• Dried Minced Garlic: Delivers a potent, umami-rich garlic taste.
• Flaky Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Provides the essential salty component.

These core components are naturally MSG-free. The umami kick often comes from the dried garlic and onion, which are natural sources of glutamate.

Natural Glutamates vs. Added MSG

Understanding the difference between natural glutamates and added MSG is key to deciphering seasoning labels. Glutamate is an amino acid found in many foods, including ripe tomatoes, aged cheeses, mushrooms, and, notably, dried garlic and onion. This is a naturally occurring compound that our bodies metabolize in the same way as the glutamate in MSG. Added MSG, on the other hand, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, manufactured for use as a concentrated flavor enhancer.

Natural Glutamates

• Found inherently in whole foods like tomatoes and cheeses.
• Part of a complex protein structure.
• Provides a milder, more subtle umami flavor profile.

Added MSG (E621)

• Manufactured through fermentation of starches or molasses.
• Concentrated sodium salt of glutamic acid.
• Provides a distinct, immediate boost of savory flavor.

Hidden MSG and Labeling Loopholes

While most everything seasonings are straightforward, a food manufacturer may add other ingredients that contain naturally-derived but concentrated glutamates. The FDA does not require food labels to specify when an ingredient naturally contains MSG, only when MSG is directly added. Consumers wishing to avoid these concentrated sources should look for the following on ingredient lists:

• Yeast Extract: A very common, non-synthetic flavor booster used in many seasoning blends and processed foods. It is naturally high in glutamates and is often used to replicate the umami that MSG provides.
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP): A soy or corn protein that has been broken down, releasing its constituent amino acids, including free glutamates.
• Autolyzed Yeast: Similar to yeast extract, this is a concentrated source of glutamates and other flavor compounds.
• Natural Flavors: This can be a catch-all term that sometimes includes ingredients with naturally occurring glutamates.

Everything Seasoning Brand Comparison

This table compares common everything seasoning brands to highlight differences in their approach to MSG and natural glutamate sources.

Brand	Added MSG	Contains Natural Glutamate Sources	Flavor Profile Notes
Trader Joe's	No	No (based on ingredients)	Balanced, classic blend with nutty, garlicky, and salty notes. Explicitly states 'No MSG'.
Spiceology	No	No (based on ingredients)	Focuses on quality ingredients, no fillers, or MSG.
Flavor God	No	No (based on ingredients)	Positioned as a healthy, keto-friendly blend with no fillers, MSG, or chemicals.
Generic Store Brand	Varies	May Contain (e.g., Yeast Extract)	Price point can influence quality. Always check the label for terms like 'yeast extract' or 'hydrolyzed protein.'
Homemade	No	Yes (from dried garlic/onion)	Complete control over ingredients. Naturally contains glutamates from dried garlic and onion.

How to Choose Your Seasoning

For most people, the trace amounts of naturally occurring glutamates in everything seasoning are not a concern. The FDA considers MSG to be 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS). However, if you are particularly sensitive or prefer to avoid all forms of concentrated glutamates, there are a few simple strategies to follow:

1. Read Labels Carefully: Scrutinize the ingredient list for terms like "yeast extract," "hydrolyzed protein," and "autolyzed yeast." Even if the front label says "No MSG Added," these ingredients are a form of concentrated glutamate.
2. Opt for Simple Ingredients: The safest bet is to choose brands with a short, simple ingredient list, typically containing only seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
3. Make Your Own: The most reliable way to control your intake is to create your own everything seasoning at home. This allows you to choose your own proportions and verify the ingredients.
4. Buy from Reputable Brands: Companies like Trader Joe's and Spiceology have clear policies against adding MSG, and their labels are transparent about what's inside.

Outbound Link

For a deeper dive into the science and history of monosodium glutamate, visit the FDA's Q&A page on MSG. This resource provides authoritative information on the difference between natural glutamates and added MSG, as well as the safety regulations surrounding it.

Conclusion

In short, standard everything seasoning blends do not contain added MSG. The savory, umami flavor comes from a combination of dried garlic, dried onion, and salty seeds, which naturally contain glutamates. For most people, this is a non-issue. For those with a sensitivity or a strong preference to avoid concentrated glutamate sources, reading the ingredient list for potential 'hidden' sources like yeast extract is the best course of action. By understanding the ingredients, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the delicious flavor of everything seasoning with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the glutamate in everything seasoning different from MSG?

Yes, the glutamate in everything seasoning is typically a naturally occurring amino acid found in ingredients like dried garlic and onion. It is chemically identical to the glutamate in added MSG, but in the seasoning, it is not a concentrated, isolated additive.

Can I trust a seasoning blend that says 'No MSG Added'?

The 'No MSG Added' label is a reliable indicator that MSG wasn't intentionally added to the product. However, the blend might still contain other ingredients, like yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein, that are naturally high in concentrated glutamates.

What common ingredient in seasoning blends might have hidden glutamates?

Yeast extract is a very common ingredient in seasoning blends and other processed foods that is naturally high in glutamates. It provides a savory flavor and is often used as a flavor enhancer without being labeled as 'MSG'.

Does Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel seasoning have MSG?

According to its ingredient list, Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel seasoning does not contain added MSG and does not use ingredients like yeast extract that are concentrated sources of glutamates.

Why does everything seasoning taste so savory if it doesn't have MSG?

The savory taste comes from the natural ingredients in the blend, primarily the dried minced garlic and dried minced onion. Both of these ingredients naturally contain glutamates, the compounds that give food a savory, umami flavor.

Are naturally occurring glutamates bad for you?

No, natural glutamates are generally not considered harmful. Our bodies naturally produce glutamate and it is present in many whole foods we consume daily. The FDA considers MSG, including naturally occurring glutamates, to be safe for consumption.

How can I avoid all forms of concentrated glutamates in my seasoning?

To completely avoid all concentrated forms of glutamates, the best method is to make your own seasoning blend from scratch using individual, recognizable ingredients like poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, and salt. You should also check pre-made blends for yeast extract and hydrolyzed protein.