Does McCormick Gravy Have MSG? Understanding the Truth for Your Nutrition Diet

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The FDA classifies monosodium glutamate (MSG) as generally recognized as safe, yet many still question its presence in processed foods. So, does McCormick gravy have MSG, and what do the ingredient labels really mean for your nutrition diet? This article dives into the fine print to help you make informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

McCormick gravy products are often labeled “no added MSG,” but they commonly contain other sources of free glutamates, like yeast extract and hydrolyzed protein, that act as flavor enhancers.

Key Points

Labeling can be Misleading: "No added MSG" doesn't mean a product is free of glutamates, as McCormick and other brands use alternative flavor enhancers like yeast extract.
Flavor Enhancers are Key: Ingredients such as yeast extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, and disodium inosinate/guanylate are included in McCormick gravy mixes to provide the umami flavor.
MSG Safety is Confirmed by Experts: Health authorities like the FDA and WHO consider MSG and naturally occurring glutamates safe for consumption for most people.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For those with concerns, making gravy from scratch using homemade broth, fresh herbs, and spices is a great way to control ingredients and sodium.
High Sodium Content: Packaged gravies often contain high levels of sodium, which is a significant factor to consider for any nutrition diet.
Homemade Offers Control: A homemade approach guarantees you know exactly what goes into your meal, offering a transparent option for a focused nutrition diet.

The 'No Added MSG' Claim: Deconstructing McCormick Gravy Ingredients

While many McCormick gravy mixes boldly state “no added MSG,” this claim is not a guarantee of a glutamate-free product. The company may not add the monosodium glutamate additive (E621), but a closer look at the ingredients list reveals other components that are rich in naturally occurring glutamates. These include yeast extract, hydrolyzed corn or soy protein, soy sauce solids, and disodium inosinate and guanylate. These ingredients are flavor enhancers, providing the same umami taste profile that MSG is known for.

The use of these alternative sources of glutamate means that while the letter-of-the-law claim is technically correct, the spirit of providing a completely glutamate-free product is not met. For those following a strict nutrition diet or who believe they are sensitive to flavor enhancers, understanding these hidden sources is crucial. The body metabolizes these naturally occurring glutamates in the same way it would added MSG, so potential reactions are based on the total amount ingested, not just the source.

Ingredient Breakdown: What's in Your Gravy Mix?

To illustrate the point, let's compare two different types of McCormick gravy mix. The standard Brown Gravy mix contains ingredients like yeast extract and hydrolyzed proteins, while a Gluten-Free variety includes similar flavor-enhancing components.


Ingredient Category	McCormick Brown Gravy Mix	McCormick Gluten-Free Brown Gravy Mix
Starch/Thickener	Wheat Flour, Modified Corn Starch	Corn Starch, Corn Maltodextrin
Flavor Enhancers	Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (Corn, Soy, Wheat), Disodium Inosinate and Guanylate	Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy and Corn Protein, Disodium Inosinate and Guanylate
Fat	Beef Fat, Modified Palm Oil	Modified Palm Oil, Sodium Caseinate (Milk)
Color	Caramel Colour	Caramel Color
Seasoning	Salt, Dehydrated Onion, Spices, Natural Flavour	Salt, Onion, Garlic, Spices (Including White Pepper)

This comparison shows that both products use ingredients that are known sources of naturally occurring glutamates, despite the “no added MSG” claim that may be on the packaging. The key difference lies in the thickener used to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

The Science of MSG: Is It Really Bad for You?

For decades, MSG has been a controversial topic in nutrition and dietary health. However, the scientific and regulatory consensus is largely positive. Here’s what the research indicates:

Regulatory Status: The FDA and the World Health Organization (WHO) both consider MSG to be safe for consumption, classifying it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome: The infamous “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome,” a collection of symptoms linked anecdotally to MSG, has not been proven to be caused by MSG in controlled, double-blind studies. Reported reactions are more likely to be attributed to other ingredients, such as seafood, nuts, or spices.
Potential Health Concerns (Animal Studies): Some animal studies have linked extremely high doses of MSG to potential negative effects, including obesity and neurotoxicity. However, these studies use dosages far exceeding typical human dietary intake and their relevance to human health is debated.
Human Health Studies: A systematic review published in the Journal of Headache and Pain found no definitive causal link between MSG and headaches. While some individuals may experience sensitivity, robust clinical evidence has not established a widespread problem.

Homemade vs. Packaged: A Nutritional Comparison

For those seeking to avoid all forms of added and concentrated glutamates, a homemade gravy is the only way to achieve complete control over the ingredients. This approach aligns perfectly with a whole-foods-focused nutrition diet. Here are the key differences:

Homemade Gravy

Control: You have complete control over ingredients, including salt levels and potential glutamate sources.
Nutritional Density: Using homemade bone or vegetable broth provides vitamins and minerals not found in commercial mixes.
Flavor Profile: Fresh herbs, spices, and pan drippings create a rich, complex flavor without relying on industrial flavor enhancers.

Packaged Gravy Mix

Convenience: Fast and easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
Ingredient Transparency: Despite the marketing claims, it is often difficult to determine the true level of free glutamates from complex ingredients like yeast extract.
Additives: Contains preservatives, thickeners, and colorings that are not present in a simple homemade recipe.

Creating a Healthier, Homemade Gravy

For a delicious, healthier, and fully transparent gravy, consider making it from scratch. Here’s a simple process using ingredients recommended by healthy cooking sites:

Start with a Roux: Melt 2 tbsp of unsalted butter or a healthy oil. Whisk in 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour until it forms a paste.
Add Broth: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form.
Introduce Flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme and sage, along with onion powder and garlic powder for a savory, complex taste.
Simmer and Thicken: Continue to simmer over medium heat for a few minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This method not only avoids all added MSG and other flavor enhancers but also gives you full control over the sodium content, which is often high in packaged products.

Conclusion

While McCormick gravy mixes are marketed as having “no added MSG,” they contain other ingredients that provide the same flavor-enhancing glutamates. This practice is legally compliant but can be misleading for those on a specific nutrition diet who wish to avoid all such additives. Scientific evidence suggests that MSG is generally safe for most people, but for those with sensitivities or a desire for a cleaner ingredient list, homemade gravy is the best option. Making your own is straightforward, allows for complete control over salt and seasonings, and aligns better with a whole-foods nutrition diet. Ultimately, reading the ingredient label and understanding the difference between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates is key to making the best choice for your health.

World Health Organization information on healthy diets

Frequently Asked Questions

The phrase means that the specific additive monosodium glutamate (E621) was not explicitly added during processing. However, other ingredients that contain naturally occurring free glutamates, such as yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein, are often included as flavor enhancers.

No, they are not the same as pure MSG, but they contain naturally occurring glutamic acid, which has the same effect as MSG in enhancing the umami flavor profile. These are often used as alternatives to avoid listing MSG directly.

No, according to leading health organizations like the FDA and WHO, MSG is generally recognized as safe for consumption. Reactions like 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' have not been consistently linked to MSG in controlled studies.

To make a gravy with no added or concentrated glutamates, you need to use unprocessed, whole-food ingredients. Use low-sodium homemade broth, a simple roux of unsalted butter and flour, and fresh herbs and spices for flavor.

McCormick offers gluten-free gravies, but the ingredient lists show that these products still contain flavor enhancers like yeast extract and hydrolyzed soy and corn protein, which are sources of free glutamates. A completely glutamate-free option requires a homemade recipe.

Homemade gravy is healthier because it gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to manage sodium and avoid processed flavor enhancers and additives. It can also be more nutritionally dense when made with a high-quality homemade broth.

For most health-conscious individuals, the bigger concern with packaged gravy is often the high sodium content rather than the glutamates. For those who believe they have a sensitivity or wish to follow a strict whole-foods diet, checking for alternative glutamate sources is important.