Decoding the Label: Does Shin Black Have MSG?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

Food labels often present a challenge, with complex chemical names that are hard to understand. In the case of instant ramen, consumers often ask, 'Does Shin Black have MSG?' While packaging for some versions of Shin Black states 'No MSG Added,' a closer look at the ingredient list reveals other potent flavor enhancers.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes Shin Black's ingredients to determine if it contains MSG. It focuses on flavor enhancers like disodium inosinate and guanylate. It explains these additives, how they create umami, and why they're used with or instead of monosodium glutamate.

Key Points

Not 'No MSG': While labels say 'No MSG Added,' Shin Black contains other flavor-enhancing additives.
Umami Ingredients: Key additives include Disodium Guanylate (E627), Disodium Inosinate (E631), and hydrolyzed proteins and yeast extracts.
Labeling Loophole: The FDA requires manufacturers to list direct MSG but not naturally occurring glutamates or similar flavor boosters from other ingredients.
Umami Synergy: Disodium inosinate and guanylate work together with glutamates to create a powerful umami effect, sometimes more intense than MSG alone.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Consumers should look beyond the 'No MSG Added' claim and inspect the full ingredient list.
Product Variation: Different versions may have slightly different ingredient lists; always check the specific package.

Is there MSG in Shin Black?

Consumers often ask, "Does Shin Black have MSG?" The answer isn't a simple yes or no. The instant ramen, made by Nongshim, is often marketed with phrases like "No MSG Added". Although true for many versions, a close look at the ingredients reveals that the product uses other flavor-enhancing compounds to achieve its savory umami taste.

The truth about flavor enhancers

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid occurring naturally in foods like tomatoes and cheese. The umami flavor associated with MSG and related compounds intensifies the savory notes in food. Food manufacturers, including Nongshim for Shin Black, use a combination of ingredients to achieve this effect.

Key ingredients to look for on the label that function as umami boosters include:

Disodium Guanylate (E627): A food additive often used in instant noodles and processed foods, working with glutamic acid to boost savory flavors.
Disodium Inosinate (E631): Another flavor enhancer frequently used alongside disodium guanylate to create umami taste.
Hydrolyzed Proteins: Proteins broken down into amino acids, including naturally occurring glutamates, adding a savory profile.
Yeast Extract: A concentrated flavoring rich in natural glutamates and nucleotides that contribute to umami.

Why labels can be confusing

The phrase "No MSG Added" often causes consumer confusion. The FDA requires direct MSG to be listed by its full name but doesn't mandate labeling for naturally occurring MSG from other sources. Manufacturers can use alternative ingredients like disodium guanylate and hydrolyzed soy protein to create a similar flavor profile while legally claiming no monosodium glutamate was directly added.

Comparing Shin Black and Other Instant Noodles


Feature	Shin Black (US Version)	Standard Shin Ramyun	Common Budget Instant Noodles
Flavor Enhancers	Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate, Hydrolyzed Proteins, Yeast Extract, Monosodium Glutamate	Contains some flavor enhancers like hydrolyzed protein and yeast extract, often less complex umami profile.	Typically rely heavily on straight MSG or a simpler combination of flavorings.
Soup Base	Premium beef bone broth base with additional mushroom and vegetable packets.	Spicy beef-flavored soup base with a single seasoning packet.	Often a simpler bouillon-style broth.
Ingredients	More complex ingredient list, including larger and more varied vegetable flakes.	Simpler ingredient list, fewer and smaller vegetable flakes.	Basic noodles and a minimal seasoning powder.
Price Point	Higher, reflecting the more complex formulation and premium ingredients.	More affordable than the Black version.	Most affordable option, simple ingredients and less complex flavors.
Spiciness	Often described as having a deeper, less overwhelming spiciness.	Classic, fiery spice level that is very pronounced.	Varies widely by brand and flavor.

Understanding the Umami Experience

The combination of disodium guanylate (GMP) and disodium inosinate (IMP) with glutamates creates a powerful synergistic effect that intensifies umami perception. This means adding a small amount of these compounds can make a dish significantly richer and more savory. While MSG is generally considered safe, using other additives like I+G (disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate) allows manufacturers to create a similar or stronger flavor profile while adhering to a "No MSG Added" claim. Consumers sensitive to MSG or wishing to avoid flavor enhancers should be aware of these alternatives and read the full ingredient list.

Conclusion

In summary, while some versions of Shin Black may state "No MSG Added," they still contain flavor enhancers that provide a rich, savory umami taste. Ingredients like disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, hydrolyzed proteins, and yeast extract are responsible for this complex flavor profile. For consumers concerned about MSG, thoroughly reading the ingredient label is essential, as these alternative additives mean the product is not completely free of glutamate-based flavor enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

This claim means that pure monosodium glutamate was not directly added to the product. The umami flavor, however, is achieved through other ingredients like disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, and yeast extract, which contain natural glutamates and flavor-enhancing compounds.

MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, while disodium guanylate is a salt of guanylic acid. Both are used as flavor enhancers, but disodium guanylate is more expensive and typically used with MSG or other glutamates for a more powerful umami effect.

Yes, many versions of Shin Black list hydrolyzed soy protein as an ingredient. This ingredient contains naturally occurring glutamates that provide a savory flavor and contribute to the umami taste.

Yeast extract is not MSG itself, but it is rich in naturally occurring glutamates, which are the key component of MSG. It functions as a flavor enhancer to create a deep, savory flavor, similar to the effect of MSG.

Manufacturers may use alternative flavor enhancers like disodium guanylate and inosinate to leverage their synergistic effect, which can create a more complex umami taste. This also allows them to make a 'No MSG Added' claim, which some consumers prefer, while still delivering a rich flavor profile.

Yes, regulatory bodies like the FDA and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) generally consider these additives safe for consumption. However, individuals with MSG sensitivities, gout, or kidney stones may wish to avoid them.

Always read the full ingredient list on the packaging. Look for names like 'disodium guanylate,' 'disodium inosinate,' 'hydrolyzed protein,' and 'yeast extract'. These ingredients indicate the presence of glutamate-based flavor enhancement.