Which brands use MSG? The Guide to Spotting Hidden Monosodium Glutamate

October 19, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 1995 report by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) for the FDA, MSG is considered safe when consumed at typical levels. However, for those with sensitivities or who simply wish to avoid it, knowing which brands use MSG is crucial. This article will detail common sources, how to read labels, and provide a list of products that may contain it.

Quick Summary

This guide uncovers common food brands and restaurant chains that incorporate the flavor enhancer MSG. It provides practical advice on reading ingredient labels to identify monosodium glutamate, including its alternate names. The article covers its use in various food categories like snacks, seasonings, and fast food, enabling consumers to make more informed dietary decisions.

Key Points

Prevalent in Processed Foods: Many processed and packaged goods, from snack chips to canned soups, frequently contain added MSG to boost their savory flavor.
Look for Hidden Names: MSG can be listed as 'monosodium glutamate' or disguised as other ingredients like 'yeast extract,' 'hydrolyzed protein,' or 'E621'.
Common Brands: Major brands like Doritos, Pringles, KFC, Chick-fil-A, Knorr, and Campbell's are known to use MSG in many of their products.
Fast Food Restaurants: Since MSG declaration is not required on menus, it's best to inquire at fast-food restaurants like KFC or Chick-fil-A if you are concerned about MSG content.
Dietary Control: The most effective way to avoid MSG is to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods and prepare meals from scratch, giving you full control over ingredients.
Generally Recognized as Safe: The FDA and other health organizations consider MSG safe for the general population when consumed at customary levels, but some individuals may have sensitivities.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer used in a vast array of processed and packaged foods to impart a savory "umami" taste. While its use is considered safe by many food and health authorities, a segment of the population reports sensitivities, and many health-conscious consumers prefer to limit its intake. Navigating the grocery store aisles and restaurant menus can be challenging, as MSG may be listed under various names. This guide explores common brands and food categories where you'll likely find added MSG and provides the tools to become a more informed shopper.

Decoding the Food Label: Names for MSG

Identifying MSG on an ingredient list isn't always straightforward. While "monosodium glutamate" or "MSG" is sometimes explicitly stated, it can also be hidden under other ingredient names. Manufacturers are not required to list it if it occurs naturally in an ingredient like yeast extract, for example, but must list it if it is added as a direct additive. To effectively spot MSG, look for these common names:

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
E621 (The European food additive code)
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
Hydrolyzed Yeast or Autolyzed Yeast Extract
Yeast Extract
Protein Isolate
Textured Protein
Calcium Caseinate
Sodium Caseinate
Glutamic Acid (E620)

Common Brands and Food Types Using MSG

MSG is prevalent across many food categories, from savory snacks to canned goods. Here's a breakdown of the types of brands and products where you can expect to find it:

Snack Foods and Chips

Many popular snack brands use MSG to enhance their savory, salty, and cheesy flavors. The intense flavor profile is part of what makes these products highly appealing and crave-able.

Doritos: The iconic Nacho Cheese and other varieties are known to contain MSG.
Pringles: Multiple flavors, including Sour Cream & Onion, use MSG.
Flavored Crackers: Brands often add MSG to create more complex flavor profiles in seasoned crackers.
KP Dry Roasted Peanuts: This specific brand is cited as containing MSG.

Fast Food and Restaurants

Fast-food chains use flavor enhancers like MSG to ensure consistent taste across their menu items. The practice is widespread, and it's essential for customers with sensitivities to ask or research before ordering.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC): Uses MSG in several menu items, including their Extra Crispy Chicken.
Chick-fil-A: As of 2022, spokesperson confirmed their classic chicken sandwich and nuggets contain MSG.
Burger King: Uses MSG in select items, such as grilled chicken.
McDonald's: Some reports indicate the presence of MSG in specific menu items.

Seasoning Blends and Sauces

MSG is a common ingredient in many powdered and liquid seasonings designed to add a quick burst of flavor to home-cooked meals.

Knorr: Brands like Knorr, which make bouillon cubes and seasoning powders, frequently include MSG.
Ajinomoto: The original company that produced MSG; their pure MSG powder is sold as a seasoning.
Maggi: Known for its seasoning blends and liquid seasonings, which often contain MSG.
Lee Kum Kee: Several of their sauces, particularly oyster-flavored sauce, may contain MSG.
Bisto: Gravy granules from this brand are listed as containing MSG.

Soups and Instant Noodles

The savory base of many canned soups and instant noodles is often achieved with the help of added MSG.

Campbell's: The popular chicken noodle soup is a well-known example of a soup containing MSG.
Instant Noodle Brands (like Nongshim and Pot Noodle): The seasoning packets in instant noodles are a classic source of MSG.

Frozen and Processed Meats

MSG is added to many frozen meals and processed meats to improve taste, especially those formulated with reduced sodium.

Frozen Pizzas and Dinners: Manufacturers often add MSG to intensify the savory flavor.
Deli Meats and Sausages: Processed meats may contain MSG for flavor and to reduce the sodium content without sacrificing taste.
Boar's Head: Specific deli meat products from Boar's Head, including some hams and bologna, contain MSG.

Comparison Table: Common Food Categories and MSG

To simplify your shopping, here is a table comparing food categories for their likelihood of containing MSG.


Food Category	Likelihood of Containing MSG	Typical Brands/Products	How to Tell
Savory Snacks	High	Doritos, Pringles, Flavored nuts	Check for "MSG", "Monosodium Glutamate", or "Yeast Extract" on the ingredient list.
Fast Food	High	KFC, Chick-fil-A, Burger King	Ask staff directly or check company websites, as it is not always listed on menus.
Canned Soups	High	Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup	Look for "MSG", "Yeast Extract", or "Hydrolyzed Protein" in the ingredients.
Instant Noodles	Very High	Nongshim, Pot Noodle	The flavor packet almost always contains MSG or a related glutamate.
Seasoning Blends	High	Knorr, Maggi, Accent	Read the label carefully, checking for MSG and E621.
Processed Meats	Medium	Deli meats, sausages, jerkies	Review the ingredient list for MSG, HVP, or Yeast Extract.
Fresh Produce	Low (Added MSG)	None	MSG is naturally present in some vegetables but not added to fresh produce.

Making Conscious Dietary Choices

By being aware of the common food categories and brands that frequently use MSG, you can make more conscious decisions about your diet. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to avoid MSG entirely, as many people have no adverse reactions to it when consumed in moderation. However, for those with sensitivities or who prefer to eat fewer processed foods, paying close attention to labels is the most effective strategy. Opting for fresh, whole foods and making homemade sauces and seasonings from scratch can help you gain control over your MSG intake and overall nutrition. Learning to identify the various ways MSG is listed on a package is the key to successfully navigating this food additive in your diet. For more in-depth nutritional guidance, consider visiting the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while MSG is a widely used and often misunderstood flavor enhancer, consumer awareness is the most powerful tool for managing its intake. It is not limited to Asian cuisine but is a common ingredient in a vast range of processed foods from well-known brands. By understanding how to read labels for MSG and its synonyms like yeast extract and hydrolyzed protein, individuals can make more informed choices. Ultimately, focusing on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods remains the most reliable method for controlling the presence of additives, including MSG, in your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer that provides a savory or 'umami' taste. It is used to improve the palatability of processed foods, soups, and snack items by enhancing their flavor profile.

The most reliable way is to read the ingredient label. Look for "monosodium glutamate," or its alternative names like "yeast extract," "hydrolyzed vegetable protein," or the food additive number "E621".

Several popular brands use MSG. Confirmed examples include Doritos (various flavors) and Pringles (like Sour Cream & Onion), which rely on MSG for their intense savory flavor.

Yes, many fast-food restaurants use MSG. Brands like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Chick-fil-A have confirmed its use in certain chicken products, while others like Burger King use it in select menu items.

No. While added MSG must be declared, naturally occurring glutamate in ingredients like yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein does not have to be. This can make spotting it more challenging for consumers.

Yes. Many organic and natural food brands make a point of producing products without added MSG. Checking the packaging and ingredient list is always the best way to verify if a brand is truly MSG-free.

No. Processed foods that contain MSG are often high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and other additives, which can negatively affect your health. The presence of MSG is often a good indicator to evaluate the overall nutritional value of the product.