Understanding the Fifth Taste: Umami
Umami, often described as a pleasant, savory, or meaty taste, was scientifically identified by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. He discovered that glutamate, an amino acid, was responsible for this distinct flavor sensation. Since then, umami has been recognized as the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Both MSG and Trader Joe's umami seasoning are designed to deliver or enhance this unique savory experience.
The Ingredients Tell the Story
To determine if Trader Joe's seasoning is the same as MSG, the first step is to examine their respective ingredients. This is where the most significant distinction lies.
What is in Trader Joe's Umami Seasoning?
Trader Joe's Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend is a blend of several ingredients, with mushrooms at its core. The official ingredient list includes:
- Kosher salt
- Dried onions
- Ground mustard seed
- Porcini mushroom powder
- White button mushroom powder
- Crushed red pepper
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme
Mushrooms, particularly porcini, are naturally rich in glutamates, the compounds responsible for umami flavor. The combination of spices and mushroom powders is what creates the product's characteristic flavor profile.
What is in MSG?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a single, isolated compound—the sodium salt of glutamic acid. The MSG you find on store shelves or used in processed foods is produced through fermentation, a process similar to making yogurt or vinegar. The resulting white, crystalline powder is a pure umami flavor enhancer, delivering free glutamate directly to your taste receptors.
How Your Body Perceives Umami
Although the sources are different, your body doesn't distinguish between the glutamate naturally present in foods and the glutamate from added MSG. The same taste receptors on your tongue are activated by both, triggering the same savory taste sensation. An adult consumes an average of 13 grams of naturally occurring glutamate daily from foods like cheese, tomatoes, and meat. The estimated daily intake of added MSG is much lower, around 0.55 grams.
The Controversy Around MSG
For decades, MSG has been the subject of controversy, often linked to unsubstantiated health issues. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the addition of MSG to foods as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Scientific studies have been unable to consistently trigger adverse reactions in sensitive individuals when MSG is consumed as part of a meal.
Bound vs. Free Glutamates
Some sources distinguish between bound and free glutamate. Naturally occurring glutamates in foods like those in Trader Joe's seasoning are often 'bound' within protein molecules, which are released and become 'free' during processes like cooking or fermentation. MSG contains free, unbound glutamate, which is why it provides a pure, direct umami punch.
Comparison Table: Trader Joe's Umami vs. MSG
| Feature | Trader Joe's Umami Seasoning | Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | A blend of kosher salt, mushroom powders (porcini, white button), dried onions, ground mustard seed, peppers, and thyme. | The sodium salt of glutamic acid, a single compound. |
| Source of Umami | Natural glutamates released from mushroom powders. | Free (unbound) glutamate produced via fermentation of plants like sugarcane or corn. |
| Flavor Profile | Complex and savory, with earthy, peppery, and subtle onion notes. | Pure, neutral umami taste that enhances the food's existing flavors. |
| Form | A dry powder seasoning blend. | A white, crystalline powder. |
| Usage | Added to dishes as a seasoning blend to infuse a range of flavors. | Added to dishes solely for a pure savory boost. |
Is One Better Than the Other?
Choosing between Trader Joe's Umami Seasoning and MSG depends on your culinary goals. If you want a more complex flavor with earthy, peppery, and herbaceous notes, the Trader Joe's blend is the clear choice. The multiple ingredients add depth beyond just umami. If your aim is simply to add a pure, unadulterated savory kick without changing the underlying flavor profile, MSG is the most effective tool. It's a precise way to amplify the umami in a dish. For those who prefer to avoid synthetic additives, the all-natural ingredient list of the Trader Joe's product is also a compelling factor.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Both can be used in a wide variety of dishes to great effect. Trader Joe's seasoning is excellent on roasted vegetables, meats, eggs, and in sauces. MSG is more of a background player, intensifying the natural savory flavors in broths, marinades, and sauces without drawing attention to itself. For example, adding MSG to a chicken soup will make the chicken taste 'more chickeny'.
The Final Word
In summary, Trader Joe's Umami Seasoning and MSG are not the same product. While both are designed to deliver the savory umami flavor, they do so with different ingredients and methods. Trader Joe's product is a multi-ingredient blend based on mushroom powders and spices, while MSG is a single, fermented compound. Your body processes the glutamate from both sources identically, so the choice boils down to whether you prefer a pure umami amplifier or a seasoning blend with a more complex flavor profile.
Conclusion
By now, the distinction is clear: Trader Joe's umami is a mushroom-and-spice blend, while MSG is a monosodium glutamate compound. The choice between them depends on whether you seek a pure, focused savory taste or a multifaceted seasoning blend. Ultimately, both effectively deliver the coveted fifth taste, umami, using different compositions to achieve the desired culinary effect.
This article was created based on publicly available ingredient information and food science research. For specific dietary concerns, always consult a professional.
