Does Lawry's Add MSG to Their Seasoning Salt?
For many years, the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been a point of confusion and concern for consumers, leading to careful scrutiny of product labels. With a product as popular as Lawry's Seasoning Salt, the question of whether it contains MSG is a common one. The straightforward answer, based on the manufacturer's own statements, is that Lawry's Original Seasoned Salt contains no added MSG. McCormick & Company, the parent company, is very clear about this in their product descriptions.
The 'No Added MSG' Nuance: What Does It Mean?
While the phrase 'no added MSG' provides clarity for consumers actively avoiding the chemical additive, it is not the whole story. The distinction lies between MSG as a manufactured ingredient and glutamates that occur naturally in foods. Glutamates are amino acids that are widely present in many ingredients used for seasoning, such as yeast extract, tomatoes, and certain spices. These natural glutamates can provide a savory 'umami' flavor profile, similar to MSG, which is why they are often used in seasonings to enhance taste.
For example, Lawry's Original Seasoned Salt ingredients list includes 'spices' and 'natural flavor', which can contain naturally occurring glutamates. The inclusion of 'yeast extract' in some Lawry's products, such as their Total Seasoning, is another source of these natural glutamates. The FDA permits manufacturers to label products with "No Added MSG" even if they contain these ingredients, as the MSG is not an explicit, standalone additive. This practice can be misleading for individuals who are sensitive to glutamates in any form.
A Deeper Dive into the Ingredients
Let's examine the common ingredients found in Lawry's Original Seasoned Salt and other similar products to understand the sources of flavor:
- Salt: The primary ingredient and base flavor provider.
- Sugar: Used to balance the salty, savory, and spicy notes.
- Spices (including Paprika, Turmeric, Celery Seed): These are complex flavor compounds that also contain natural glutamates.
- Onion and Garlic: Both are well-known for their natural savory flavors and are key to the seasoning's profile.
- Yeast Extract: A potent, concentrated source of natural glutamates that provides a deep, savory umami taste. Often used as a flavor enhancer to replace added MSG.
- Natural Flavor: This is a catch-all term that can be derived from various sources and may also contain naturally occurring glutamates.
Comparison: Lawry's vs. Alternatives
When considering alternatives or simply understanding the marketplace, it's helpful to compare Lawry's to other products. Some manufacturers explicitly add MSG, while others rely solely on natural sources. Some opt for entirely different flavor profiles.
| Feature | Lawry's Original Seasoned Salt | Accent Flavor Enhancer | Homemade Seasoning Blend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Added MSG? | No | Yes (Pure MSG) | No (User discretion) |
| Natural Glutamates? | Yes, from spices, onion, garlic, natural flavor | Can be used with naturally glutamate-rich foods | Yes, from ingredients like mushroom powder, tomato powder, or yeast extract |
| Ingredients | Salt, Sugar, Spices, Onion, Corn Starch, Garlic, Natural Flavor | Monosodium Glutamate | Custom herbs, spices, salt, and glutamate-rich ingredients |
| Flavor Profile | Complex savory, salty, slightly sweet with garlic and onion notes | Pure umami flavor enhancement | Fully customizable; can be controlled for umami level |
| Labeling | "No Added MSG" | "Monosodium Glutamate" | N/A |
What Are Naturally Occurring Glutamates?
Naturally occurring glutamates are found in a wide variety of foods, and are chemically identical to the glutamate molecule in MSG. Our bodies metabolize both in the same way. The difference lies in the delivery and concentration. Some foods rich in natural glutamates include:
- Tomatoes: Particularly sun-dried and concentrated forms.
- Cheese: Aged cheeses like Parmesan are packed with glutamates.
- Mushrooms: Especially dried shiitake mushrooms, which are a powerful source of umami.
- Yeast Extract: A concentrated flavoring agent that contains significant levels of natural glutamates.
- Soy Sauce: Created through a fermentation process, soy sauce is another well-known source.
Making an Informed Decision
For consumers avoiding MSG, reading labels is crucial, and recognizing the difference between "no added MSG" and "contains no MSG" is the most important step. If you have a known sensitivity to glutamates, you must be aware that ingredients like yeast extract or certain natural flavors might still cause a reaction. The FDA acknowledges that some individuals report symptoms after consuming MSG but has not been able to consistently confirm the link in studies.
For those seeking complete control, making a homemade seasoning blend is an option. Recipes for natural umami-rich seasonings often include ingredients like mushroom powder, nutritional yeast, or tomato powder. This allows you to tailor the flavor and avoid any and all forms of concentrated glutamate. For example, a simple mix could be created from dehydrated mushrooms, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to mimic Lawry's flavor profile while completely eliminating any ambiguous "natural flavors" or extracts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lawry's Original Seasoned Salt does not contain added monosodium glutamate. However, like many seasoned products, it does contain ingredients that naturally contain glutamates, such as spices, onion, and garlic. The key takeaway for a consumer concerned about MSG is to understand the difference between these two sources. Reading the ingredient list carefully for terms like yeast extract and natural flavor is essential, especially for individuals with sensitivities. The 'no added MSG' label on Lawry's product is accurate in a technical sense, but a savvy consumer understands that the savory flavor still comes from sources that contain naturally occurring glutamates.
Resources
- McCormick.com: Offers product information and ingredient lists for all Lawry's products.
- FDA Q&A on MSG: Provides regulatory information on MSG labeling and safety.
