Tag: Hidden msg

Discovered over a century ago by a Japanese chemist, the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate has many names. What is MSG in food also known as? The answer reveals how this savory ingredient is more common and less mysterious than you think, appearing under various labels and in natural foods.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer generally recognized as safe, but it can still be a concern for some consumers. While it's famously associated with certain cuisines, MSG is a common additive found in many fast food restaurants and processed foods to boost savory, umami flavors.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food manufacturers must label added monosodium glutamate (MSG) directly, but they are not required to disclose naturally occurring MSG in other ingredients. This creates a complex landscape for consumers seeking to avoid MSG, as numerous food additives, extracts, and proteins naturally contain or release glutamates, essentially serving as other names for MSG.

Food labels can be confusing, and many consumers are concerned about the additives in their food, especially Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). While a direct search of the ingredient list shows that Eggo waffles do not have MSG, a deeper dive is needed to understand all flavor enhancers present.

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.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), added MSG must be listed on the ingredient panel of packaged foods. This makes reading labels the most direct way to determine if a product contains this flavor enhancer. However, natural glutamates don't require specific labeling, making it important to understand all the potential sources.

Over 40 percent of Americans routinely check food labels, but identifying every ingredient can be challenging. To know if a product contains MSG, you must learn to spot not only its common name but also its numerous hidden aliases, which are often used by manufacturers in processed foods.

Food manufacturers often list MSG under different aliases to avoid consumer scrutiny. The primary chemical name for MSG is monosodium glutamate, but other terms like hydrolyzed protein and yeast extract also indicate its presence. Learning these different names is crucial for those seeking to monitor or avoid the additive in their diet.

MSG is a flavour enhancer that's frequently added to a vast array of processed foods, including canned vegetables, soups, and deli meats. Knowing what products have MSG, whether it's added or naturally present, is crucial for making informed choices about your diet and managing food sensitivities.

According to McDonald's, its core national menu in the U.S. does not contain added MSG. This statement, however, is a point of confusion for many customers wondering about ingredient transparency and whether is MSG used in McDonald's test products or internationally.