Does Mrs. Dash Seasoning Have MSG in It? The Ingredient Label Explained

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Dash, formerly known as Mrs. Dash, built its brand reputation on offering salt-free and additive-free seasonings since its introduction in 1983. Despite these claims, the question often asked is: does Mrs. Dash seasoning have MSG in it?

Quick Summary

Dash seasoning blends are explicitly formulated without added monosodium glutamate. While simple herb blends are free of this additive, more complex, processed mixes may contain ingredients with naturally occurring glutamates, such as yeast extract.

Key Points

Explicitly No Added MSG: Dash™ seasoning blends are specifically formulated and labeled to contain no added monosodium glutamate.
Check for Hidden Glutamates: Processed mixes, not standard blends, can contain ingredients like yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein, which are sources of naturally occurring glutamates.
FDA Labeling Rules: The FDA requires added MSG to be listed explicitly, but does not require foods with naturally occurring glutamates (e.g., from yeast extract) to be labeled as containing MSG.
Read All Ingredients: For complete peace of mind, especially if you have sensitivities, always read the full ingredient list to check for common hidden sources.
Homemade is Safest: Creating your own blends from single herbs and spices is the surest way to avoid both added MSG and all other forms of concentrated glutamates.

What is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods, including tomatoes, cheeses, and mushrooms. It is widely used as a food additive to enhance umami, a savory taste profile. While often associated with Chinese food, MSG is found in a variety of processed and restaurant foods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS). For certain individuals, however, especially those with asthma or known sensitivities, MSG can cause temporary, mild reactions.

The rebranding from Mrs. Dash to Dash™

Over the years, the company rebranded from Mrs. Dash to simply Dash™ to modernize its image and appeal to a broader audience. The product's core promise of being a flavorful, salt-free seasoning remains, and it continues to explicitly state "No MSG" on its labels. This commitment helps differentiate it from products that rely on MSG or high sodium levels for flavor. The company's transparency is a key part of its marketing, but it's crucial for consumers to understand the nuances of food labeling, especially concerning naturally occurring glutamates.

Decoding Dash™ Seasoning Labels

While standard Dash™ seasoning blends do not contain added MSG, scrutinizing the ingredient list is always wise, particularly for more complex or pre-packaged products. The FDA mandates that if monosodium glutamate is directly added, it must be explicitly listed on the ingredients panel. However, ingredients containing naturally occurring glutamates do not need to be labeled as containing MSG, which is where confusion can arise for sensitive individuals.

Commonly found ingredients in Dash™ products:

Herbs and Spices: A blend of common herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme, along with spices such as black pepper and cumin.
Dried Vegetables: Dried onion, garlic, and carrots are common ingredients that add natural flavor.
Lemon Juice Powder and Citric Acid: Used for a tangy flavor and preservative qualities.

Potential hidden sources of glutamates

Some more complex seasoning mixes or marinades from the Dash™ brand might contain ingredients that are processed to release naturally occurring glutamates. These are not added MSG, but they can trigger similar reactions in highly sensitive individuals. Potential hidden sources include:

Yeast Extract: A flavor enhancer derived from yeast that contains high levels of naturally occurring glutamates.
Hydrolyzed Proteins: Proteins (from vegetables, soy, or wheat) broken down into amino acids, releasing free glutamic acid.
Maltodextrin: Can sometimes be derived from fermented starches.

For most Dash™ products, the risk is extremely low, but for those with a serious sensitivity, always read the label thoroughly.

Comparison: Dash™ Blends vs. General Processed Mixes

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison between a typical Dash™ seasoning blend and a hypothetical processed seasoning mix that might contain hidden glutamates.


Feature	Dash™ Original Blend	Processed Seasoning Mix
Added MSG	Explicitly no	Could contain explicitly added MSG
Salt Content	Salt-free	Can be very high in sodium
Potential Hidden Glutamates	Generally no, based on simple ingredients	Yes, may contain yeast extract or hydrolyzed proteins
Flavor Source	Natural herbs, spices, and dried vegetables	Potentially synthetic or concentrated flavorings
Suitability for Sensitive Individuals	High, for those concerned with added MSG	Low, due to potential hidden glutamate sources

Finding Flavorful, MSG-Free Alternatives

For those who prefer to avoid all forms of free glutamates, creating your own seasoning blends at home is an excellent option. This allows for full control over every ingredient. Here are some natural flavor boosters and ideas:

Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a versatile blend.
Greek Seasoning: Mix oregano, basil, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder for a Mediterranean flavor.
Nutritional Yeast: Offers a cheesy, umami flavor naturally without any added MSG.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage can add depth and complexity.
Acids: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten flavors without relying on salt or MSG.

Conclusion

For those asking "does Mrs. Dash seasoning have MSG in it?", the answer for the company's core seasoning blends is a clear no. The Dash™ brand explicitly formulates its products without added monosodium glutamate. The ingredients lists for blends like the Original and Garlic & Herb contain only a mixture of dried herbs, spices, and vegetables. However, consumers with glutamate sensitivities should still exercise caution and carefully read the labels of more complex, processed seasoning mixes, where ingredients like yeast extract or hydrolyzed proteins might be present as hidden sources of naturally occurring free glutamates. Ultimately, sticking to simple, whole food ingredients or homemade seasoning blends offers the most complete assurance of avoiding all forms of processed or naturally concentrated glutamates.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while Dash™ seasoning contains no added MSG, it is not completely free of all glutamates. Glutamic acid is an amino acid naturally present in many vegetables and herbs, which are included in the seasoning blends.

Added MSG is a specific, manufactured sodium salt of glutamic acid used for flavoring. Naturally occurring glutamates are present in varying levels within whole foods like vegetables and herbs, and are generally not a concern for those with sensitivities.

The rebranding from Mrs. Dash to Dash™ was a strategic move by the company to modernize its image and broaden its market appeal. The product's commitment to being a salt-free, no-MSG seasoning remains unchanged.

Yes, yeast extract is a common ingredient that contains naturally occurring free glutamates. It is often used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods but is not considered added MSG by the FDA.

For most people with MSG sensitivity, using the standard Dash™ blends should be fine, as they do not contain added MSG. However, you should still check the label and test in small amounts, especially if you are highly sensitive to natural glutamates as well.

Excellent alternatives include making homemade blends with dried herbs and spices, or using fresh herbs, lemon juice, and vinegars. For an umami flavor without glutamates, try nutritional yeast.

Yes, it is common for many salt-free or low-sodium packaged products to use ingredients like yeast extract to boost flavor. Always read the ingredient list carefully, regardless of the brand's main claims.