No Added MSG, but Naturally Occurring Glutamates
When examining a jar of Prego spaghetti sauce, the label clearly indicates that many varieties, including the Traditional and various flavored options, are made "without added MSG". This is a key distinction for consumers concerned about added monosodium glutamate. However, this does not mean the sauce is entirely free of glutamates. The foundational ingredient of any Prego sauce is tomato, which naturally contains high levels of glutamate, the same amino acid found in MSG. This natural glutamate is what provides the deep, savory umami flavor profile that is essential to a rich tomato sauce.
What the Prego Label Says
Prego's commitment to avoiding added MSG is consistently stated across their product lines. For instance, the ingredient list for Prego Traditional Pasta Sauce on the Campbells website details its composition: Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Diced Tomatoes In Tomato Juice, Sugar, Contains Less Than 1% Of: Salt, Canola Oil, Dried Onions, Dried Garlic, Spices, Basil, Citric Acid, Onion Extract, Garlic Extract. Monosodium glutamate is not on this list. This explicit declaration is a direct response to consumer demands for cleaner, more transparent ingredient lists.
The Role of Natural Flavors and Yeast Extract
Some confusion arises from other ingredients that may be included. Some Prego varieties, particularly those flavored with meat or cheese, may contain 'yeast extract' or 'natural flavoring'. As noted by food industry experts, yeast extract is rich in naturally occurring glutamates and is often used by manufacturers to boost savory flavor profiles without explicitly adding MSG. It is functionally similar in taste enhancement, but is derived from a natural source. For individuals highly sensitive to glutamates, even those from natural sources, this is an important distinction to note. However, for most people, the natural glutamate from yeast extract is processed no differently than the glutamate naturally found in tomatoes or cheese.
Added vs. Naturally Occurring Glutamates: A Comparison
To clarify the difference between added and naturally occurring glutamates, here is a comparison table:
| Feature | Added Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) | Naturally Occurring Glutamates |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Produced through fermentation, then added as a salt (monosodium) to enhance flavor. | Inherently part of whole foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and yeast extract. |
| Labeling | Must be listed by its full name, "monosodium glutamate". | Found in ingredient lists under the names of the source food (e.g., tomatoes, yeast extract). |
| Purity | Pure, crystalline salt added specifically for flavor enhancement. | An amino acid that is part of a complex food matrix, digested along with other nutrients. |
| Prego Status | Not added to Prego sauces. | Present in tomato puree and, in some varieties, yeast extract. |
Decoding the Ingredient List
For consumers, learning to read ingredient labels is the most reliable way to understand what's in their food. While Prego clearly states "no added MSG," it's good practice to understand all components. For example, the ingredients for Prego Italian Tomato Sauce Flavored With Meat include Yeast Extract. Knowing that this ingredient contributes natural glutamate allows for a fully informed purchasing decision, especially for those with sensitivities.
Why Prego Highlights “No Added MSG”
The decision by Prego and many other food manufacturers to avoid adding MSG directly is a response to consumer trends and concerns. Decades of misinformation have led many to falsely associate MSG with adverse health effects, despite numerous studies and safety assessments by regulatory bodies confirming its safety for most people. By explicitly stating the absence of added MSG, brands cater to a segment of the population that seeks to avoid this specific additive, regardless of scientific consensus. They rely on the natural glutamate from tomatoes and other ingredients to deliver the desired umami flavor.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
In conclusion, if your question is, 'Does Prego spaghetti sauce have MSG?', the direct answer is no—it does not contain added monosodium glutamate. However, it does contain naturally occurring glutamates from tomatoes and other ingredients, which contribute to its savory taste. This is an important distinction for consumers to make based on their dietary preferences or sensitivities. By understanding the difference between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamates, you can make a more informed choice at the grocery store, confident in the information provided on the product label. Ultimately, the presence of natural glutamates is what helps give Prego its signature, crowd-pleasing flavor, without the need for additional chemical additives.
For a deeper dive into the science behind MSG and glutamates, you can read more on Serious Eats.
