How to Check if Food Has MSG and Identify Hidden Names

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Over the years, the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) has gained a controversial reputation, and many people wish to avoid it. Knowing how to check if food has MSG is essential, as the additive is not always listed under its common name and can be cleverly disguised in processed ingredients. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to read labels effectively and spot MSG in its many forms.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to identify added monosodium glutamate on food labels. It covers the common names for MSG, explains which foods often contain it, and offers strategies for avoiding it in restaurants and packaged goods. This article helps consumers make informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Check Ingredient Labels: Look for "monosodium glutamate" or "MSG" explicitly listed on packaged foods.
Recognize Hidden Aliases: Be aware of ingredients like "hydrolyzed protein," "yeast extract," and certain "natural flavors" which are high in free glutamates.
Read Between the Lines: Some ingredients, such as autolyzed yeast and protein isolates, contain naturally high levels of free glutamate and are therefore used to add an MSG-like flavor.
Ask When Dining Out: Since restaurants are not required to disclose MSG use, ask staff directly, especially in cuisines where it is common.
Understand Natural Glutamates: Foods like tomatoes, mushrooms, and aged cheeses contain natural glutamates, which are chemically identical to MSG but often in lower concentrations.
Opt for Whole Foods: The simplest method to avoid added MSG is to cook with whole, unprocessed foods and minimize reliance on packaged or convenience meals.

Decoding the Label: How to Find MSG

The most direct way to check for added monosodium glutamate (MSG) is to read the ingredient list on packaged foods. Regulatory bodies like the FDA require that if MSG is added directly as an ingredient, it must be listed as “monosodium glutamate”. However, the real challenge lies in recognizing the many other names and ingredient types that naturally contain high levels of glutamate or are created to contain it.

Identifying Explicitly Listed MSG

When a food manufacturer adds pure MSG, it will typically appear on the label in one of these ways:

Monosodium glutamate
Flavor enhancer (MSG)
Flavor enhancer (E621)

Recognizing the Hidden Names of MSG

The issue of hidden MSG arises when a manufacturer uses ingredients that contain naturally occurring, but high, levels of free glutamates, or uses processed ingredients specifically designed for flavor enhancement. Here are some common aliases to look for:

Hydrolyzed Proteins: This includes hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), hydrolyzed soy protein, and hydrolyzed plant protein. The hydrolysis process breaks proteins down into amino acids, including glutamic acid.
Yeast Extracts: Autolyzed yeast extract, yeast extract, and yeast food or nutrient all signal the presence of high levels of free glutamates.
Protein Isolates: Ingredients like soy protein isolate or whey protein isolate can contain processed glutamates.
Caseinates: Sodium caseinate and calcium caseinate are derivatives of milk protein and are also associated with free glutamate.
Vague Flavorings: Be wary of broad terms like “natural flavors” or “seasonings,” which can sometimes contain MSG without further clarification, though this is not always the case.

Comparison Table: Common Ingredients vs. Hidden MSG Sources


Ingredient Category	Example	Potential for Hidden MSG?	What to Look For	Recommendation
Dairy	Parmesan cheese	Yes (Natural)	None; glutamate is naturally present.	Enjoy in moderation if sensitive.
Sauces/Seasonings	Soy sauce, Bouillon cubes	Yes (Added)	Soy sauce (Natural & added), autolyzed yeast extract.	Choose low-sodium or MSG-free varieties.
Processed Meats	Deli meats, sausages	Yes (Added)	Hydrolyzed protein, seasonings, sodium caseinate.	Opt for unprocessed meats or read labels carefully.
Soups & Stocks	Canned soups, instant noodles	Yes (Added)	Yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, natural flavors.	Prepare from scratch or find MSG-free options.
Snacks	Chips, flavored crackers	Yes (Added)	Flavoring, yeast extract, natural flavors.	Choose whole, unprocessed snacks like nuts or seeds.

Avoiding MSG in Restaurants

Checking for MSG becomes more challenging when dining out, as restaurants are not required to disclose its use. In 2020, the leading manufacturer of MSG, Ajinomoto, and others launched the #RedefineCRS campaign to combat misconceptions about MSG. However, if you are particularly sensitive, there are still steps you can take.

Communicating Your Needs

Ask Directly: It is best to ask the restaurant staff or chef if MSG is used in their dishes. Be specific by asking if they use pure MSG, bouillon, or seasoning packets.
Mention Your Sensitivity: Frame your request by stating a sensitivity, rather than an allergy, to avoid confusion. For example, “I have a sensitivity to MSG. Can you tell me which dishes are prepared without it?”
Be Aware of Cuisine: MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly used in many culinary traditions, particularly in Chinese and other Asian cuisines. When eating at such restaurants, it's especially important to inquire.
Consult the Menu: Some establishments, catering to health-conscious diners, will explicitly state “No Added MSG” on their menus. Look for these assurances.

Naturally Occurring vs. Added MSG

It is important to remember that glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods, and there is no chemical difference between added and naturally occurring glutamate. Your body processes both in the same way. The distinction lies in concentration. While foods like tomatoes and parmesan cheese naturally contain glutamate, the high concentrations found in many processed foods are a result of direct or indirect addition.

Common Foods with Natural Glutamates:

Aged cheeses (especially Parmesan)
Ripe tomatoes
Mushrooms
Seaweed (Kombu)
Soy sauce

The Bottom Line on MSG

For most people, moderate consumption of MSG, whether added or naturally occurring, is not a cause for concern. Scientific consensus agrees that MSG is safe, though a small percentage of people may have a sensitivity. The key is mindful consumption. By learning to read ingredient labels and knowing the various names and sources of glutamate, you can make informed decisions. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods is the simplest way to reduce intake, but for packaged goods and restaurant dining, a savvy approach to labels and communication is essential.

Conclusion: Your Guide to Smarter Eating

Equipping yourself with the ability to identify monosodium glutamate is an empowering step toward making healthier food choices. From decoding cryptic ingredient lists that camouflage MSG with terms like "hydrolyzed protein" and "yeast extract," to confidently navigating restaurant menus, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview. By focusing on whole foods, being a proactive consumer, and asking questions, you can take control of your diet and avoid this controversial additive if you so choose. Knowledge is the most powerful tool for navigating the often-complex world of food and nutrition.

For more detailed information, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Q&A on MSG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chemically, the glutamate in MSG is identical to the glutamate found naturally in foods like cheese and tomatoes. The main difference is the concentration and form; MSG is a concentrated additive used for flavor enhancement, while natural glutamate is a component of whole foods.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA classify MSG as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). While a small portion of the population may experience mild, short-term symptoms, strong scientific evidence does not link normal MSG consumption to serious health issues.

A 'No Added MSG' or 'No MSG' claim indicates that pure monosodium glutamate was not directly added. However, the product may still contain other ingredients that are high in naturally occurring glutamate, such as yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein.

A small subset of people report experiencing symptoms such as headaches, flushing, or tingling after consuming MSG, a condition referred to as "MSG symptom complex". The reactions are typically mild and transient, and are not considered allergic reactions.

The term 'natural flavors' is broad and can potentially mask the presence of free glutamates. While it doesn't automatically mean MSG is present, it is an area of concern for those seeking to strictly avoid all sources of added glutamate.

In countries that use E-numbers for additives, monosodium glutamate is labeled as E621. Other permitted glutamate additives also have E-numbers, such as E620 (glutamic acid) and E622 (monopotassium glutamate).

Many fast food items, particularly sauces, broths, and seasoned coatings, may contain MSG or ingredients with high levels of free glutamates, such as yeast extract. Inquiring directly with the restaurant is the only way to be sure.