A Brief History of Taco Works
Since its beginning as a Mexican food restaurant in 1976, Taco Works has grown into a successful wholesale tortilla chip manufacturer. The company, founded in San Luis Obispo, California, is family-owned and operated and still stands behind the quality of its uniquely seasoned tortilla chips. Demand for their signature chips quickly grew, leading them to move production off-site to a factory to meet customer needs. While they started small, their chips are now available in grocery chains throughout California and other Western states, and their products are sold in both retail bags and larger bulk quantities. The company prides itself on its hands-on approach and commitment to its original recipe.
Breaking Down the Ingredient List: The Role of MSG
For consumers asking, "Does Taco Works have MSG?" the answer is found directly on the ingredient list of many of their products. Monosodium glutamate is a common food additive used to enhance the savory, or umami, flavor of processed foods.
The Original Flavor: A Clear Answer
The ingredient list for Taco Works Original tortilla chips and their Original seasoning mix clearly confirms the inclusion of MSG. The list for the seasoning includes:
- Salt
- Sugar
- Monosodium glutamate
- Paprika
- Onion
- Extract of paprika
- Chili pepper
- Cumin
- Oregano
This demonstrates that the MSG is not merely in the seasoning blend but is a core part of the unique flavor profile that has been popular since the company's inception.
Other Flavored Chips and Seasonings
The inclusion of MSG is not limited to the Original flavor. Many of Taco Works' other seasoned products also contain this flavor enhancer. For example:
- Hot Nacho Seasoning: Includes monosodium glutamate alongside various cheeses, spices, and other flavorings.
- Salsa Seasoning: Lists monosodium glutamate among ingredients like salt, tomato, sugar, and garlic.
- Chili Cheese Seasoning: Features monosodium glutamate along with various cheese powders and spices.
The “No Artificial Flavors” Confusion
Some online retailers, like Amazon, may list certain Taco Works products with the claim of "No Artificial Flavors". This can cause confusion for consumers. It is important to understand the distinction: MSG is classified by the FDA as a flavor enhancer, not an artificial flavor. Therefore, a product can legally contain MSG while still carrying a "No Artificial Flavors" label. This highlights why reading the full ingredient list is the most reliable way to know what you're consuming.
What to Look for on the Label
For individuals actively trying to avoid MSG, simply looking for the term “monosodium glutamate” is not enough. Other sources of free glutamate can be present under different names. Be on the lookout for ingredients such as:
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Autolyzed yeast extract
- Glutamic acid
- Yeast extract
- Soy extracts
These ingredients contain free glutamates, which are chemically similar to MSG and can have the same flavor-enhancing effect. Knowing these alternative names is key to avoiding added free glutamates in processed foods.
Comparison: Taco Works vs. Other Snack Brands
To put Taco Works' use of MSG in context, here is a comparison with other popular snack and fast-food items. This comparison highlights that the inclusion of MSG is a common practice in the snack and fast-food industries.
| Product | Does it Contain Added MSG? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taco Works Original Chips | Yes | Explicitly listed in the seasoning ingredients. |
| Taco Bell (Restaurant) | No | Publicly announced they removed MSG from their menu items. |
| Taco Bell (Seasoning Mix) | Varies | Some seasoning mixes are MSG-free, but check the label. |
| Doritos (Common Flavors) | Yes | Many flavors like Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch contain MSG. |
| Many Fast Food Items | Yes | Common in many menu items from chains like McDonald's and KFC. |
| Natural Foods | Naturally Occurring | MSG is naturally present in foods like tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. |
Common Concerns and Facts About MSG
For decades, MSG has been the subject of controversy, much of which was based on misinformation and flawed studies. The initial scare stemmed from a 1968 letter published in The New England Journal of Medicine which triggered a public panic known as "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome". However, decades of scientific research have since debunked the myth that MSG is a dangerous additive. The FDA, along with international food safety bodies, maintains that MSG is safe for consumption. While some people report sensitivities, large-scale, double-blind studies have generally failed to prove a consistent link to severe adverse reactions. MSG is simply a salt derived from glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in many foods, and serves to amplify the natural savory flavors already present. The FDA offers comprehensive information on MSG for those seeking authoritative guidance.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "Does Taco Works have MSG?" is a definitive yes for their popular Original, Hot Nacho, and Salsa seasoned tortilla chips. As with any processed food, consumers who wish to avoid MSG or its natural equivalents should carefully review the ingredient list on the specific product packaging. While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider MSG to be safe, personal health decisions regarding food additives should be based on a combination of reputable information and individual needs. Taco Works is transparent about its use of monosodium glutamate, listing it directly on its product ingredient lists and website, allowing consumers to make informed choices about their snack food consumption.
