Does Peri-Peri Salt Contain MSG? The Ingredient Breakdown

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Many processed seasonings and snack foods contain flavor enhancers to boost their savory appeal. This practice often leads consumers to question the ingredients in their favorite products, such as: does Peri-Peri salt contain MSG? The answer is nuanced, depending on the brand and how flavor is achieved.

Quick Summary

Commercial Peri-Peri salt from brands like Nando's contains no added MSG but utilizes other natural ingredients, specifically yeast extract, for its savory umami flavor. This is a crucial distinction between synthetic additives and naturally occurring glutamates.

Key Points

No Added MSG: Nando's and most commercial Peri-Peri salts contain no added monosodium glutamate as a separate ingredient.
Contains Yeast Extract: The product's rich umami flavor comes from natural glutamates found in yeast extract.
Natural vs. Added: The body metabolizes the glutamates from yeast extract and added MSG in the same manner, but labeling is different.
Source of Umami: Yeast extract provides the savory, mouth-filling umami taste without using the controversial MSG label.
Check the Label: To avoid concentrated glutamates, look for ingredients like yeast extract, hydrolyzed proteins, or autolyzed yeast on ingredient lists.
Considered Safe: Health authorities like the FDA consider MSG safe when consumed in normal dietary amounts.

The Official Verdict on Added MSG

One of the most well-known brands of Peri-Peri salt, Nando's, explicitly labels its products as containing "No Added MSG". This clear and direct statement has been a consistent part of their marketing and product information for years. The 'No Added MSG' label is a response to consumer demand for clean labels and is an important distinction for those actively avoiding monosodium glutamate as a specific additive. The company sources its African Bird's Eye Chilli and other spices to provide a natural, fiery kick, ensuring the seasoning's rich profile comes from a blend of ingredients rather than a single synthetic enhancer.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

While Nando's Peri-Peri salt does not have added MSG, its ingredients list reveals a key component responsible for its deeply savory, umami flavor: yeast extract. Yeast extract is a common food additive derived from yeast and is naturally rich in glutamates, the same amino acids that make up MSG. This means that while a seasoning may be free of the specific additive monosodium glutamate (MSG), it can still achieve a similar savory taste profile by using other glutamate-rich ingredients. Other ingredients often found in commercial Peri-Peri salts include salt, paprika, citric acid, and various spices, all working in concert to create the characteristic flavor profile.

Common Peri-Peri Salt Ingredients

To understand the full flavor composition, it's helpful to break down a typical commercial Peri-Peri salt ingredient list, referencing details seen in product listings:

Salt: The base of the seasoning blend.
Spices: A mix of paprika, chili pepper, and African Bird's Eye Chilli for heat and color.
Yeast Extract: Provides the natural, savory umami notes.
Sugar: Added in smaller amounts to balance the flavors.
Cornflour/Corn Starch: Acts as an anti-caking agent.
Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid): Adds a tangy, bright note that complements the spice.
Color (Curcumin): For visual appeal.
Flavorings: A general term that can include other natural essences.

Decoding the Umami Factor

Umami, often described as the fifth basic taste after sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, is a rich, savory flavor. It's the taste you get from foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, and slow-cooked meat. Both added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates, such as those in yeast extract, activate the same taste receptors on the tongue to create this umami sensation. The use of yeast extract is a way for food manufacturers to provide a potent umami flavor while maintaining a "No Added MSG" label. This gives the product a deep, complex flavor that customers crave without using the controversial additive.

MSG vs. Natural Glutamates

Understanding the distinction between MSG and naturally occurring glutamates is key to deciphering ingredient lists. The table below highlights the differences:


Feature	Monosodium Glutamate (Added)	Naturally Occurring Glutamates (e.g., Yeast Extract)
Composition	Sodium salt of glutamic acid.	Free glutamic acid found in protein-rich ingredients.
Labeling	Must be listed as "Monosodium Glutamate".	Listed by the ingredient name, e.g., "Yeast Extract" or "Hydrolyzed Protein".
Taste	Provides a pure, intense umami flavor.	Contributes to umami as part of a more complex flavor profile.
Consumer Perception	Can carry a negative stigma, although considered safe by health bodies.	Generally perceived as a more natural, "clean label" ingredient.

Health and Sensitivity Concerns

Decades of research have been conducted on MSG's effects, with major health authorities, including the FDA, classifying it as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Many of the negative health associations, like "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," have not been conclusively linked to MSG in studies involving normal dietary intake. While the additive is not inherently harmful, a small percentage of people do report sensitivities to large doses of MSG, experiencing symptoms like headache, flushing, or tingling. For these individuals, it may be prudent to monitor the intake of both added MSG and natural sources of high glutamate, as the body processes both in the same way.

For more information on the safety and research regarding MSG, visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website on the topic here.

How to Identify Hidden Glutamates

For those who wish to avoid all forms of concentrated glutamates, reading ingredient labels is crucial. As seen in the comparison table, naturally occurring sources are not labeled as MSG. The FDA requires manufacturers to list all ingredients, including those that contain naturally high levels of glutamates. Key terms to look for on ingredient lists that signify the presence of concentrated, free glutamates include:

Yeast Extract
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
Autolyzed Yeast
Protein Isolate
Soy Extracts

These ingredients are common in many processed foods, from sauces and soups to snacks, and are not specific to Peri-Peri seasoning. Understanding these label nuances allows consumers to make informed choices about the products they buy.

Conclusion: Savory Flavor Without the Additive

Ultimately, the question of whether Peri-Peri salt contains MSG has a clear answer: Nando's and similar commercial versions do not contain added MSG. The savory flavor profile, which mimics the umami taste associated with MSG, is instead derived from a careful blend of spices and natural flavor enhancers like yeast extract. The body metabolizes these naturally occurring glutamates in the same way as added MSG, so individuals with sensitivities to the compound may still experience a reaction. For the vast majority of people, however, the product offers a delicious and robust seasoning, providing a fiery and savory kick through its natural ingredients and spice blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG is the purified sodium salt of glutamic acid that is added to foods as a flavor enhancer. Yeast extract is a byproduct of yeast production, which is naturally rich in free-form glutamates that provide a savory, umami flavor.

The rich, savory umami taste profile of Peri-Peri salt is often mistaken for MSG because it is a flavor that many people associate with processed foods containing the additive. In reality, the umami flavor is provided by naturally occurring glutamates from ingredients like yeast extract,.

For those with a verified sensitivity to high doses of free glutamates, it is important to be aware that yeast extract contains these natural glutamates. While it is not added MSG, the body may react similarly. A small percentage of the population reports sensitivity to high glutamate intake.

No, not all brands use the same formula. It is always best to check the ingredient list of any specific product you purchase. Some homemade recipes for Peri-Peri salt, for example, rely entirely on spices and salt without any added umami boosters.

The spicy flavor comes from African Bird's Eye Chilli and other spices like paprika and pepper. These are combined with salt and other ingredients to build the seasoning's complex and fiery taste profile,.

Health organizations like the FDA have deemed MSG to be safe for consumption. Concerns regarding its safety have largely been debunked, though a small minority of individuals may be sensitive to large quantities of free glutamates. Foods containing MSG are often processed and should be consumed in moderation, but the MSG itself is not the primary health concern.

You can create your own Peri-Peri salt at home by grinding sea salt with a blend of natural spices, including dried African Bird's Eye Chilli flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. This allows for full control over the ingredients,.