What Sausage Does Not Have MSG? A Guide to MSG-Free Brands

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, MSG must be labeled when added directly to food products, making it possible to find sausages without it. For consumers concerned about food additives, knowing what sausage does not have MSG is key to making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of sausage brands that produce MSG-free products, along with tips on identifying added glutamate on ingredient lists and understanding labeling terms. It explains why some manufacturers use MSG and how to find cleaner alternatives.

Key Points

Check Labels for Direct MSG: Always read the ingredient list for "Monosodium Glutamate".
Beware of Hidden Glutamates: Look for ingredients like hydrolyzed vegetable protein, yeast extract, and autolyzed yeast, which contain naturally occurring free glutamate.
Look for Explicit 'No MSG' Claims: Many brands like Jones Dairy Farm, Conecuh, and Kiolbassa clearly label their products as MSG-free.
Trusted Brands: Major brands offering MSG-free options include Jones Dairy Farm, Conecuh, Kiolbassa, Purnell's, Johnsonville, Jimmy Dean (select), Applegate, and Aidells.
Explore Homemade Alternatives: Making your own sausage allows for complete control over ingredients and seasoning, ensuring it is 100% MSG-free.
Natural is Key: Opt for brands that focus on 'all-natural' and minimal ingredients, as they are less likely to contain synthetic additives.

Understanding MSG in Sausage

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer often used in processed meats to improve taste and savoriness. While glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods, some manufacturers add synthetic MSG to enhance flavor profiles. For consumers with sensitivities or those seeking cleaner, less processed options, avoiding sausage with added MSG is a priority.

How to Read Labels for MSG-Free Sausage

Finding a sausage that does not contain MSG requires careful label reading, as the additive can be listed under several names.

Explicit Declarations: Most directly added MSG will be labeled clearly as "Monosodium Glutamate".

Hidden Sources: Some ingredients naturally contain free glutamate and may not be required to be labeled as containing MSG, though they can have similar effects on sensitive individuals. Look for ingredients like:

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Autolyzed yeast extract
Yeast extract
Natural flavorings (which can sometimes contain MSG)

"No MSG Added" Labels: Many brands, such as Conecuh and Jones Dairy Farm, explicitly label their products as "No MSG Added" or "No MSG". However, it's always best practice to review the full ingredient list to ensure no hidden forms of glutamate are present.

Popular MSG-Free Sausage Brands

Several manufacturers have responded to consumer demand by producing sausages without added MSG. Here are some of the most recognized options:

Jones Dairy Farm: Offers a variety of breakfast sausages and other meats with no MSG or nitrates. They emphasize simple, wholesome ingredients and are often found in the freezer section.
Conecuh Sausage: Known for their smoked sausages, Conecuh offers an "All Natural NO MSG" line that features their classic flavor without artificial ingredients.
Kiolbassa: This brand provides a range of artisan sausages, including a Polish smoked sausage that is explicitly labeled as containing no MSG. They focus on premium ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Purnell's: Their "All Natural Country Sausage" is made with simple ingredients and explicitly states "No fillers, no preservatives, no MSG".
Johnsonville: Several of their smoked rope sausages are explicitly made without MSG, including their Andouille style sausage. They pride themselves on using premium cuts of pork and quality spices.
Jimmy Dean: Select products, such as some of their "All Natural" fully cooked and fresh pork sausage varieties, are labeled as having no MSG.
Applegate: This brand is dedicated to clean food, and many of their organic and natural sausage products, including their chicken and sage breakfast sausage, are made without MSG.
Aidells: Offer a variety of gourmet sausages, including Chicken & Apple and Italian Style, that do not contain MSG, artificial flavors, or fillers.

How to Choose the Best MSG-Free Sausage

When shopping, consider the following to make the best choice for your needs:

Check the Front Label: Look for prominent claims like "No MSG Added" or "MSG-Free." These are the easiest to spot.
Scan the Ingredient List: Always double-check the ingredient panel for potential hidden MSG sources, even on products with a "No MSG Added" claim.
Consider the Type: Both fresh and pre-cooked sausage varieties are available without MSG. Fresh sausages often have simpler, more natural ingredient lists.
Look in the Right Aisle: MSG-free options are frequently found in the freezer or refrigerated sections, particularly with natural or organic products.

Comparison Table: Popular MSG-Free Sausage Brands


Brand	Product Type	Key Feature	Common Availability	Notes
Jones Dairy Farm	Breakfast Links	No MSG, No Nitrates	Freezer aisle	Simple, wholesome ingredients
Conecuh Sausage	Smoked Hickory	All Natural, No MSG	Refrigerated/Online	Famous hickory smoke flavor
Kiolbassa	Polish Smoked	No MSG, No Nitrates	Refrigerated	Premium quality, hardwood smoked
Purnell's	Country Sausage	All Natural, No MSG	Refrigerated	Classic, simple flavors
Johnsonville	Smoked Rope (Andouille)	No MSG, No Fillers	Refrigerated	Premium pork cuts
Jimmy Dean	All Natural Varieties	No MSG, No Artificials	Refrigerated/Freezer	Check for "All Natural" varieties
Applegate	Organic Breakfast	Organic, No MSG	Refrigerated	Focus on clean, simple ingredients
Aidells	Various Gourmet	No MSG, No Fillers	Refrigerated	Bold, innovative flavors

Making Your Own MSG-Free Sausage

For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own sausage at home is the best route. You can use ground meat of your choice and season it with natural ingredients. Popular seasoning options include dried sage, thyme, black pepper, and fennel seed. Using MSG-free seasoning packs is also a convenient way to achieve a specific flavor profile without additives.

Conclusion

While MSG is a common additive in many processed foods, finding a sausage that does not have MSG is achievable with a bit of research and label reading. Numerous reputable brands offer delicious, MSG-free options, often featuring simpler, more natural ingredient lists. By knowing what to look for and which brands to trust, consumers can enjoy savory sausage while avoiding unwanted additives. For those seeking complete control, homemade sausage is a rewarding and delicious alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG is added to some sausages and processed meats as a flavor enhancer to improve the savory, or umami, taste. It helps to make the product's flavor more robust and satisfying.

No, not all sausages contain added MSG. Many brands, particularly those labeled as 'natural' or 'premium,' produce sausages without added monosodium glutamate, relying on quality meats and natural spices for flavor.

Several brands offer MSG-free options, including Jones Dairy Farm, Conecuh Sausage, Kiolbassa, Purnell's, and Applegate. Select varieties from brands like Johnsonville and Jimmy Dean also advertise as being MSG-free.

Besides "Monosodium Glutamate," look for ingredients that contain naturally occurring free glutamate, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, yeast extract, and autolyzed yeast extract. The best way to be sure is to check the ingredient list carefully.

Naturally occurring glutamate is found in foods like meat and tomatoes and is generally not an issue for most people. However, manufacturers can add synthetic MSG as a concentrated flavor enhancer. The key difference is whether it was added during processing or is naturally present.

Some sausage seasonings may contain MSG, but many suppliers offer MSG-free options for both commercial and home use. Always check the seasoning mix ingredients to ensure it is free of added glutamate.

MSG-free sausages are often located in the freezer or refrigerated sections alongside other natural and organic meat products. Looking for brands that promote 'clean' ingredients can help narrow your search.