How is MSG Labeled on Food: A Comprehensive Guide

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), foods with added monosodium glutamate (MSG) must list it as 'monosodium glutamate' on the ingredient panel. However, identifying MSG can be complex because many food products contain naturally occurring or processed free glutamates under different names, which do not have the same strict labeling requirements.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the complex rules for MSG labeling, covering both when 'monosodium glutamate' must be explicitly listed and when it can appear under alternative names or as naturally occurring glutamates in other ingredients. Learn to recognize key ingredients that signify the presence of added or free-form glutamates for more informed choices.

Key Points

Direct Labeling: When added directly as an additive, MSG is labeled as "monosodium glutamate".
Hidden Sources: Free glutamates can appear under different names, such as yeast extract, hydrolyzed proteins, and natural flavors.
FDA Requirements: The FDA mandates that added MSG be labeled, but it does not require that ingredients naturally containing glutamate specify this.
Misleading Claims: The label "No Added MSG" is not a guarantee of a glutamate-free product, as many ingredients can contain naturally occurring or processed free glutamates.
Synergistic Additives: The presence of other flavor enhancers like disodium guanylate (E627) and disodium inosinate (E631) often indicates MSG is also present.
Best Practice: For avoidance, prioritize whole, unprocessed foods and read ingredient lists carefully, looking for hidden names.

Direct vs. Indirect Labeling of MSG

Navigating food labels for monosodium glutamate can be confusing due to varying regulations. The key difference lies in whether MSG is added directly or is present as naturally occurring free glutamate within other ingredients.

When is "Monosodium Glutamate" Explicitly Labeled?

When MSG is added as a flavor enhancer, regulatory bodies like the FDA and Canadian government require it to be listed as "monosodium glutamate". This also applies to meat and poultry products under the USDA. Some countries may also require its additive code (E621).

The Hidden Sources of Free Glutamate

Free glutamates that are not required to be labeled as 'monosodium glutamate' are a challenge for sensitive consumers. These are released during processing and can be found in many common ingredients. Companies must list the ingredient but not necessarily its glutamate content. Common sources include: Hydrolyzed Proteins, Yeast Extracts, Natural Flavors, Other Ingredients, and Bouillon and Broth. For a more detailed list of ingredients that contain free glutamate, you can refer to {Link: Medium https://truthinlabeling.medium.com/names-of-ingredients-that-contain-free-glutamate-1-dae80de71b4d}.

Natural vs. Added MSG: A Comparison

The table below outlines key differences between naturally occurring and added glutamates:


Feature	Naturally Occurring Glutamates	Added MSG (as an additive)
Source	Found in whole foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and soy sauce.	Manufactured via fermentation of sugar sources.
Labeling	Ingredient is listed, no MSG declaration required.	Must be listed as "monosodium glutamate".
Processing	Bound to protein, released gradually during digestion.	Free-form glutamate.
Claims	Cannot claim "No Added MSG" if present.	Can be labeled "No Added MSG" if no processed MSG is added, even if naturally occurring glutamates are present.
Sensitivities	Generally not associated with adverse reactions.	Some individuals report sensitivities.

Decoding the "No Added MSG" Claim

"No Added MSG" labels can be misleading. They only indicate that monosodium glutamate was not directly added, not that the food is free from free glutamates from other ingredients. For instance, a product claiming "No Added MSG" might still contain yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein. Always read the full ingredient list.

The Role of Synergy

Glutamate's flavor is amplified when combined with disodium guanylate (E627) and disodium inosinate (E631). These additives are often used together and their presence on a label is a strong indicator that MSG is also in the product, even if not explicitly listed. This combination is common in packaged snacks and seasonings.

How to Avoid Unlisted MSG

Diligent label reading is crucial to avoid MSG and its derivatives. Avoiding highly processed foods is the most effective way, as they are likely to contain hidden glutamate sources. Opt for whole, unprocessed ingredients. Look for products with simple ingredient lists. When dining out, especially at fast food restaurants, consider asking staff about flavor enhancers, as menu items aren't always labeled.

Conclusion

Knowing how MSG is labeled on food is essential for informed choices. While added MSG must be labeled, free glutamates in other ingredients do not have the same requirement. Identifying alternative names and prioritizing whole foods helps consumers navigate complex labels and avoid hidden glutamate sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, MSG is not always labeled as monosodium glutamate. While the FDA requires that added MSG be listed by its full name, it can also appear in foods as naturally occurring free glutamates from ingredients like yeast extract and hydrolyzed protein, which are not required to be identified as containing MSG.

Hidden names for MSG include autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed oat flour, and protein isolates. Vague terms like "natural flavors," "spices," or "seasoning" can also contain hidden free glutamates. For a more extensive list, see {Link: Medium https://truthinlabeling.medium.com/names-of-ingredients-that-contain-free-glutamate-1-dae80de71b4d}.

Not necessarily. The claim "No Added MSG" means that pure monosodium glutamate was not added as an ingredient. However, the food may still contain free glutamates from other ingredients like yeast extract, soy sauce, or hydrolyzed proteins.

Yes. The presence of other flavor enhancers, such as disodium guanylate (E627) and disodium inosinate (E631), is a strong indicator that MSG is also in the product, as they are often used synergistically.

Restaurants and fast food establishments are typically not required to declare the presence of MSG on their menus. Your best option is to ask staff directly if MSG has been added to the dishes you plan to order.

The glutamate in MSG is chemically identical to the glutamate found naturally in whole foods like tomatoes and cheeses. However, naturally occurring glutamate is bound to protein and absorbed more slowly. Processed MSG contains free-form glutamate.

Some food companies use alternative names to avoid the negative perception and stigma associated with the term "MSG." By using ingredients like yeast extract or natural flavors, they can still achieve the desired flavor enhancement without explicitly listing monosodium glutamate.