Is There MSG on Chips and Which Brands Have It?

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, MSG is generally recognized as safe, but many people still wonder about its presence in their food. The question of 'Is there MSG on chips?' is a common one, as this flavor enhancer is frequently used in snack foods to create a savory, umami flavor profile that consumers enjoy.

Quick Summary

Yes, many flavored chips contain added MSG, though not all do. The additive, which enhances savory taste, may also be listed under alternative names on ingredient labels. Consumers can identify its presence by carefully reading the ingredient statement and noting other flavor enhancers like yeast extract. Some brands also offer products with no added MSG.

Key Points

MSG is common in flavored chips: Many popular flavored chips, including brands like Doritos and Pringles, contain added monosodium glutamate to enhance savory flavor.
Not all chips contain MSG: Plain or unflavored varieties are less likely to contain added MSG, and some brands specifically market themselves as MSG-free.
MSG can be listed under other names: The additive can be labeled as 'monosodium glutamate,' but can also be disguised under names like 'yeast extract,' 'hydrolyzed protein,' or 'disodium inosinate'.
MSG is considered safe by health authorities: The FDA and other global health organizations classify MSG as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for consumption in normal amounts.
Reported sensitivities are rare: While some people report experiencing mild symptoms like headaches or flushing after consuming MSG, studies have struggled to confirm a direct link, especially at typical dietary levels.
Reading labels is key to avoidance: For those wishing to avoid MSG, careful reading of ingredient labels for both 'monosodium glutamate' and its alternative names is necessary.
MSG enhances 'umami': The primary function of MSG in chips is to boost the savory 'umami' flavor profile, making the snack more palatable and addictive for some.

MSG in Chips: What You Need to Know

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive and flavor enhancer widely used in processed foods, including many popular chip varieties. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in many foods like tomatoes and cheeses. In snacks, it is added to intensify and balance savory flavors, commonly known as umami. While some unflavored chips are free of added MSG, many flavored varieties rely on it to achieve their signature taste.

Why Manufacturers Use MSG in Chips

Chip manufacturers use MSG for several key reasons, all centered on enhancing the consumer's eating experience. By boosting the savory profile, MSG makes the chips more flavorful and, for many, more enjoyable. It can also help create a consistent flavor from one batch to the next and can be used to reduce the amount of sodium needed while maintaining a strong flavor.

Enhances Umami Flavor: MSG activates taste receptors that recognize the savory flavor of umami, making the snack more satisfying.
Masks Unpleasant Flavors: It can help balance and mask any undesirable tastes that may arise during the processing of ingredients.
Creates Flavor Layering: MSG can build a deeper, more complex flavor profile that encourages continued consumption, a technique known as 'flavor layering'.
Sodium Reduction: Because MSG also provides a salty taste, it allows manufacturers to use less regular table salt without sacrificing flavor intensity.

How to Tell if Chips Contain MSG

Identifying MSG in chips requires careful reading of the ingredient label. The FDA requires that manufacturers list 'monosodium glutamate' in the ingredient panel when it is directly added. However, there are also a number of other ingredients that naturally contain or indicate the presence of free glutamate, which can have the same flavor-enhancing effect. Foods that contain these naturally occurring MSG sources, such as yeast extract, cannot claim "no added MSG".

Alternative Names for MSG on Labels

Yeast Extract: A common source of naturally occurring glutamate.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP): A protein that has been broken down, releasing glutamic acid.
Disodium Inosinate (IMP) and Disodium Guanylate (GMP): These are flavor enhancers that work synergistically with MSG to boost the umami taste. They are often paired with MSG and can indicate its presence, even if not explicitly listed.
Autolyzed Yeast: Similar to yeast extract, this is another source of free glutamate.

Comparison of Chips with and without MSG


Feature	Chips with Added MSG	Chips with No Added MSG
Flavor Profile	Often described as having a stronger, more intense savory (umami) taste.	Tend to have a simpler flavor derived from natural seasonings like salt and spices.
Ingredient List	Explicitly lists "monosodium glutamate" or contains ingredients like yeast extract and hydrolyzed protein.	Features a shorter ingredient list with seasonings from whole foods or natural sources.
Brand Examples	Doritos, Pringles, and certain Lay's flavors.	Lay's Barbecue, Old Dutch (brand-wide policy), and many organic or natural varieties.
Processing Level	Typically found in highly processed, flavored snack foods.	Can be found in both processed and less processed options; often associated with 'clean label' products.
Sensitivities	A very small percentage of the population may report mild symptoms like headaches or flushing.	Generally considered a safe alternative for those with a perceived sensitivity to MSG.

The Safety and Controversy Surrounding MSG

Despite its widespread use, MSG has been the subject of controversy for decades, dating back to the late 1960s with the so-called "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome". However, organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have consistently classified MSG as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS).

Most scientific research, including controlled studies with sensitive individuals, has not been able to definitively prove that MSG causes the reported adverse effects, especially at the typical dietary intake levels. While a small subset of people may have a sensitivity to MSG, most can consume it without issue.

Why the Bad Reputation Persists

The negative perception of MSG was fueled by anecdotal reports and, as some sources suggest, potential biases against certain cuisines. The controversy has continued despite numerous scientific studies reaffirming its safety. The issue often lies in separating the effect of MSG from other high-sodium, high-fat ingredients commonly found in processed foods where MSG is also present. For a detailed look at MSG safety research, readers can refer to resources from reputable scientific bodies and academic institutions.

How to Find MSG-Free Chips

For those who wish to avoid MSG, whether due to sensitivity or preference for less processed foods, several options exist:

Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Look for "monosodium glutamate" and its alternative names, such as yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein.
Choose Plain or "Original" Flavors: Unflavored or simply salted chips are less likely to contain added flavor enhancers.
Explore "Natural" or "Organic" Brands: Many brands in this market segment specifically market themselves as having "No MSG" or "No Added MSG".
Seek Out Specific Brands: Some brands, like Old Dutch Foods, have policies against using added MSG in their base products. PepsiCo's Frito-Lay also provides a product facts finder on their website.

Conclusion

In summary, it is a certainty that MSG is present in many, but not all, chips, particularly the flavored varieties. Its use is a strategic choice by manufacturers to enhance savory flavor and improve taste consistency. While scientific consensus and regulatory bodies regard MSG as safe for the general population, the option to avoid it is available for those with sensitivities or who prefer to do so. By understanding how to read ingredient labels and recognizing alternative names for glutamate, consumers can make informed choices that align with their personal dietary preferences. The perception of MSG's harm is largely a product of historical misconception, but awareness of its presence in snack foods remains key for many buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer that provides a savory or 'umami' taste. Manufacturers add it to chips and other snacks to intensify and balance the flavor profile, making them more palatable and satisfying to the consumer.

No, it is not possible to reliably detect MSG by taste alone. While MSG enhances the savory flavor, many other seasonings and naturally occurring glutamates contribute to a chip's overall taste profile. Reading the ingredient label is the only way to be certain.

The FDA requires that added monosodium glutamate must be listed on the ingredient panel. However, if glutamate is naturally present in another ingredient, such as yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein, the label may not specifically mention MSG.

Several popular brands use MSG, particularly in their flavored varieties. Examples include Doritos and Pringles. The best way to know is to check the ingredient list on the specific product package.

Individuals with a known MSG sensitivity should avoid chips that list 'monosodium glutamate' or other ingredients that contain free glutamate, such as yeast extract. Opting for plain, unflavored, or brands that specifically state "No MSG" is the safest approach.

Yes, many brands offer chips without added MSG. Plain, salted, or original varieties often exclude flavor enhancers. Some brands, particularly in the natural or organic food sector, are committed to being MSG-free. Always check the ingredient list for confirmation.

Most major health authorities, including the FDA, have deemed MSG to be safe for consumption. Scientific studies have not established a clear link between MSG and serious health concerns at typical dietary intake levels. Reported adverse effects are rare and generally mild.