Understanding Where MSG is Most Likely Found

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer used in countless food products globally, not just in Asian cuisine, as it is popularly believed. It adds a savory, umami taste to foods and is found naturally in many vegetables and proteins, as well as being artificially produced for a wide array of packaged goods.

Quick Summary

Processed meats, canned soups, fast food, and many savory snack products are common places to find added MSG. This flavor enhancer is also naturally present in items like aged cheeses, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Identifying sources of MSG is crucial for those who are sensitive or wish to limit their intake.

Key Points

Processed foods: Added MSG is prevalent in packaged snacks, canned soups, frozen meals, and instant noodles to boost savory flavor.
Restaurants and fast food: Many eating establishments, not only Asian ones, use MSG in sauces, seasonings, and prepared dishes.
Natural sources: Glutamate, the core component of MSG, is naturally abundant in whole foods like aged cheeses, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Label literacy: To spot added MSG, check for 'monosodium glutamate' on the ingredient list, and be aware of other terms like 'yeast extract' or 'hydrolyzed protein'.
Individual sensitivity: While most individuals can consume MSG without issue, those with a sensitivity may need to be more vigilant about their intake.
Healthier food choices: Many foods containing high levels of added MSG are highly processed, so reducing their intake can improve overall diet quality.
Less sodium: MSG contains less sodium than table salt and can be used to reduce sodium content while maintaining flavor perception.

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally. For decades, it has been a controversial food additive, but regulatory bodies like the FDA in the US and FSANZ in Australia and New Zealand have deemed it safe for consumption. Understanding where it is most likely found requires looking at both artificial additives and naturally occurring glutamates.

Heavily Processed and Packaged Foods

One of the most prominent categories for finding added MSG is in heavily processed and packaged foods, where it is used to boost and intensify flavors. This practice helps manufacturers create a more palatable and consistent product, often masking a lack of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Snacks and Savory Items

Chips and snack mixes: Many popular brands of potato chips, corn chips, and other savory snacks use MSG to enhance their addictive, savory taste.
Canned soups and broths: To create a rich, meaty flavor, manufacturers often include MSG in their canned soups, including classic chicken noodle soup, and in bouillon cubes and powders.
Seasoning blends: Many spice mixes, particularly those for tacos, stews, and marinades, contain MSG to provide a flavor boost.
Frozen meals: As a cost-effective and convenient meal option, frozen dinners, pizzas, and other prepared meals often use MSG to improve their overall flavor profile.
Instant noodles: This budget-friendly staple frequently relies on MSG for its savory broth and seasonings.

Restaurant and Fast Food Industry

Beyond the grocery store, a significant amount of added MSG is found in many restaurant and fast-food meals, not just in Chinese cuisine. Because restaurants are not required to disclose its use on menus in many countries, it can be more challenging to avoid.

Fast-food chains: Many franchises, including Chick-fil-A and KFC, utilize MSG in menu items to enhance the savory taste of fried chicken and other popular dishes.
Non-ethnic restaurants: It is a misconception that only Asian restaurants use MSG. Many restaurants across various cuisines and price points add it to soups, sauces, gravies, and marinades for depth of flavor.
Sauces and dressings: Many pre-made sauces and dressings used in restaurants, such as barbecue sauce, ketchup, and salad dressings, frequently contain MSG.

Processed Meats and Deli Products

To improve the taste and reduce the sodium content without sacrificing flavor, MSG is often incorporated into various processed meat products.

Hot dogs and sausages: The flavor of these items is often enhanced with added MSG.
Deli meats: Processed lunch meats, such as bologna, commonly contain monosodium glutamate.
Meat sticks and jerky: The savory and salty flavor of beef jerky and other meat snacks is often boosted by MSG.

Naturally Occurring Sources of Glutamate

It's important to remember that glutamate, the primary component of MSG, is found naturally in a wide variety of whole foods. These foods provide umami taste without the need for added MSG.

Cheeses: Aged cheeses like Parmesan and Roquefort contain high levels of naturally occurring glutamate.
Tomatoes and tomato products: Ripe tomatoes, as well as concentrated forms like tomato paste, are rich in glutamates.
Mushrooms: This fungi is famously rich in umami and naturally contains glutamate.
Soy sauce: Made through a fermentation process, soy sauce is another significant source of natural umami flavor.
Seaweed: The original source from which MSG was first isolated in 1908, seaweed is a powerful natural source of glutamate.

How to Identify Added MSG on Labels

Manufacturers are required to list 'monosodium glutamate' on ingredient labels when it's added directly. However, other ingredients may also contain naturally occurring or processed forms of glutamate, which are not required to be labeled as such.

Other names: Look for terms like hydrolyzed protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, and protein isolate.
E-numbers: In the European Union, MSG is classified as E621.

Comparison Table: Added vs. Natural MSG Sources


Feature	Added MSG (Processed)	Natural MSG (Whole Foods)
Source	Produced via fermentation of starches or sugars.	Naturally present in whole, fresh ingredients.
Application	Sprinkled into foods during manufacturing or cooking.	Part of the food's inherent composition.
Common Examples	Canned soup, fast food, chips, deli meats.	Aged cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, seaweed.
Flavor Profile	Intensifies and enhances savory umami flavors.	Contributes to the overall umami complexity of the food.
Labeling Requirement	Explicitly listed as 'monosodium glutamate'.	Not required to be labeled, but ingredients like yeast extract must be.

Conclusion: Navigating MSG in Your Diet

For most people, MSG is safe to consume in moderate amounts and poses no health risks. Its bad reputation largely stems from poorly conducted, older research and unsubstantiated reports. However, if you are one of the small percentage of people sensitive to it or prefer to limit your intake, being aware of where it's most likely found is essential. The best approach is to be a label reader, especially with processed and packaged foods, and to choose fresh, whole food ingredients more often. When dining out, particularly at restaurants where MSG isn't disclosed, you may consider inquiring about its use, but also bear in mind that many dishes get their umami from naturally rich sources. By understanding the difference between added MSG and natural glutamates, you can make informed choices about your diet without unnecessary worry. For further reading, an authoritative resource can be found on the FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG's primary function is to enhance and intensify the savory, or umami, flavor already present in foods.

On its own, MSG has very little flavor, but when combined with other foods, it creates a savory, rich, and meaty taste.

Yes, glutamate, the key component of MSG, is found naturally in many foods, including ripe tomatoes, aged cheeses like Parmesan, mushrooms, and seaweed.

Food labels must explicitly list 'monosodium glutamate' if it has been added directly. You can also watch for other glutamate-containing ingredients like 'yeast extract' or 'hydrolyzed protein'.

Yes, contrary to common belief, MSG is used across a wide variety of cuisines and restaurant types, including many fast-food and non-ethnic establishments.

A very small percentage of the population may be sensitive to MSG, potentially experiencing mild and temporary symptoms like headaches or flushing.

MSG contains less sodium than table salt and is generally considered safe by major health organizations. The health impact of the overall highly-processed diet where MSG is often found is a larger concern.