Panda Express's Official Stance on MSG
For many years, the presence of Monosodium Glutamate, or MSG, in Chinese-American food has been a source of public concern. Panda Express, one of the most popular chains in this category, has been at the center of this conversation. The company addresses this directly on its website and nutritional information sheets, clarifying their policy for all customers.
Their statement, "No MSG added except for that naturally occurring in certain ingredients," indicates that the kitchen staff does not sprinkle the pure, white crystalline powder version of MSG onto their dishes during preparation. However, it is crucial to understand the second part of this statement. Many common food ingredients contain naturally occurring glutamate, which is chemically identical to the glutamate in MSG and has the same flavor-enhancing effect. Ingredients like soy sauce, tomatoes, and mushrooms are all naturally rich in glutamate and are used in many of Panda Express's dishes.
The Science Behind MSG and the Umami Flavor
MSG is simply the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that exists naturally in many foods. It is responsible for the savory, or "umami," taste, which is considered the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
Foods naturally rich in glutamate include:
- Aged Cheeses: Parmesan cheese is a prime example of a food with high levels of natural glutamate.
- Cured Meats: Items like cured hams have a high umami content.
- Tomatoes: The ripeness of a tomato correlates with its glutamate content.
- Mushrooms: This is another naturally savory ingredient often used in cooking.
- Seaweed: The original source where MSG was first isolated by a Japanese biochemist.
- Soy Sauce: A key component in many Asian-inspired dishes.
When Panda Express uses ingredients like soy sauce or mushrooms in their cooking, they are inherently adding naturally occurring glutamate to the food. This gives their dishes the savory depth that some might mistakenly attribute to added MSG.
The Health and Safety of MSG
The widespread misconception that MSG is harmful stems from a letter written to the New England Journal of Medicine in 1968, which described symptoms experienced after eating Chinese food. This anecdote, later sensationalized by the media, created the concept of "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" and sparked a wave of misinformation. Since then, numerous regulatory and health organizations have reviewed the safety of MSG and concluded that it is safe for consumption for the vast majority of the population.
Most people can consume MSG without any issues. For the small subset of individuals who report sensitivity, symptoms are typically mild and temporary, such as headaches, flushing, or sweating. These reactions are rare and usually occur only with very large doses of MSG consumed without other food, which is not typical of a restaurant meal.
Comparison: Added MSG vs. Naturally Occurring Glutamate
To understand the nuances of MSG in food, it's helpful to compare the different forms in which it appears.
| Feature | Added MSG | Naturally Occurring Glutamate |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Produced via fermentation of starches, sugar beets, or molasses. | Part of the inherent composition of certain ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. |
| Panda Express Policy | Is not added to dishes during preparation. | Is present in dishes due to the use of glutamate-rich ingredients. |
| Chemical Identity | Chemically identical to natural glutamate. | Chemically identical to added MSG. |
| Labeling | Must be listed explicitly as "monosodium glutamate" on packaged foods. | Is not explicitly listed, but is inherent to the labeled ingredient (e.g., "soy sauce"). |
| Health Impact | Considered safe by FDA and other bodies. | Safe for consumption. |
Why the Confusion Persists
Despite scientific consensus, the negative stigma around MSG has been difficult to shake. The history of this fear is intertwined with xenophobic narratives surrounding Chinese cuisine. The continued focus on avoiding MSG often overshadows other nutritional concerns in fast food, such as high sodium content. Many Panda Express dishes, while not having added MSG, can still be high in sodium due to other flavor-enhancing ingredients.
In conclusion, the short answer is no, Panda Express does not add MSG directly to its recipes, with the exception of glutamate naturally present in ingredients like soy sauce and teriyaki sauce. The long answer reveals that the real concern for those monitoring their diet should be the overall nutritional profile, including sodium and sugar, rather than the scientifically unfounded fear of MSG. The flavor-enhancing properties that create the delicious umami taste in your favorite orange chicken or chow mein come from perfectly safe, naturally occurring glutamate.
How to Check for Added MSG in Your Food
For those who wish to avoid all forms of added glutamate, not just at Panda Express, here are some tips:
- Read ingredient labels: Look for "monosodium glutamate" specifically. However, remember that manufacturers can use different names for ingredients containing free glutamate, such as yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, and natural flavoring.
- Cook at home: The best way to control all ingredients is to prepare your own meals from fresh, whole foods.
- Ask at restaurants: When eating out, ask the restaurant staff if they use added MSG. However, be aware that cross-contamination is always a possibility in a shared kitchen, and naturally occurring glutamate will be present in many dishes.
By understanding the difference between added MSG and naturally occurring glutamate, consumers can make more informed decisions based on accurate information rather than outdated myths.
Conclusion
So, is Panda Express full of MSG? Not in the way that the widespread myth suggests. The restaurant publicly states that it does not add MSG to its dishes. The savory flavor is a result of ingredients containing naturally occurring glutamate, which is scientifically proven to be safe for the vast majority of people. For those with sensitivities or who wish to reduce their intake of all processed enhancers, checking labels and being mindful of naturally glutamate-rich ingredients is the best course of action. Ultimately, focusing on overall dietary health, including sodium and fat intake, is a more effective approach than fixating on the MSG myth.
