Which Fast Food Restaurants Use MSG in the US?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, MSG is "generally recognized as safe" for use as a food additive, but many consumers still want to know which fast food restaurants use MSG. This guide reveals some of the major US fast food chains that incorporate this flavor enhancer, often in savory items like fried chicken and sandwiches.

Quick Summary

Several prominent fast food chains in the US, including Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Popeyes, use MSG in certain menu items to boost flavor. While some chains use it in specific dishes like chicken sandwiches, others include it more broadly in their seasoning blends and sauces. A few chains explicitly state they do not add MSG or have options without it, while others use ingredients that contain naturally occurring MSG.

Key Points

Prevalence: Many US fast food chains, particularly those specializing in chicken, use MSG to enhance savory flavors.
Primary Users: Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Popeyes are among the most well-known fast food restaurants that include MSG in their recipes.
Menu Specifics: At many chains, MSG is only present in certain menu items, with some offering MSG-free alternatives like grilled options.
Hidden MSG: MSG can be listed under alternative names such as "hydrolyzed vegetable protein" or "yeast extract".
MSG-Free Options: Some chains, like Panda Express, state they do not add MSG to their products, offering a clear alternative for those avoiding it.

What is MSG and Why is it Used?

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a flavor enhancer derived from glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in many foods like tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It is used to add a savory, umami flavor that deepens the taste profile of many processed and restaurant foods. The use of MSG became popular in the 20th century, and despite persistent myths linking it to adverse health effects, the FDA classifies it as "generally recognized as safe".

Fast food restaurants use MSG for several reasons, including:

Enhancing flavor: It provides a consistent, strong savory taste that keeps customers coming back.
Flavor layering: MSG is used in spice blends and sauces to intensify other flavors.
Convenience and cost: In powdered form, MSG is a reliable and inexpensive way to boost flavor without requiring expensive, high-quality ingredients.

Fast Food Chains Known to Use MSG

Many of the most popular fast food chains in the United States have been confirmed to use MSG, at least in some of their menu items. It is most often found in chicken products, but also appears in other items.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is one of the most prominent examples of a fast food chain that uses MSG. The ingredient is found in several of their signature items, including:

Original Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken Strips
Chicken Noodle Soup

It is important to note that Chick-fil-A also offers many menu items that do not contain added MSG, such as their grilled chicken options, salads, and waffle fries. They provide ingredient statements on their app and website for customers to check specific items.

KFC

KFC's iconic "Finger-Lickin' Good" flavor has been tied to its use of MSG for years. The flavor enhancer is used in many of its chicken products.

Original Recipe Chicken
Extra Crispy Chicken
Chicken Tenders and Nuggets
Secret Recipe Fries and Gravy

Beyond just MSG, KFC also uses other flavor enhancers that contain glutamate, such as hydrolyzed proteins and yeast extract.

Popeyes

In the competitive chicken sandwich market, Popeyes also uses MSG to create its distinctive flavor profile.

Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Tenders and Nuggets

McDonald's

McDonald's historically avoided MSG in its national menu items, but this changed with the introduction of certain premium chicken sandwiches. While most of its menu remains free of added MSG, customers should be aware of specific items.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich (when tested in certain regions)

Fast Food Chains with Limited or No MSG

Panda Express

Panda Express has publicly stated that its suppliers are not allowed to add MSG to any products they provide, and the restaurant does not add MSG during food preparation. While it is a Chinese-inspired fast-casual chain, this is a conscious effort to differentiate itself.

Chili's Grill & Bar

While not a traditional fast food restaurant, Chili's has confirmed that it does not add MSG to its food or purchase products that contain MSG. This is a useful note for those seeking sit-down options without the additive.

Navigating Hidden MSG

Customers should be aware that MSG can also be present in its "hidden" forms, appearing on ingredient lists under different names. These can include:

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Autolyzed Yeast Extract
Natural Flavors
Yeast Extract

Comparison Table: MSG in Major US Fast Food Chains


Fast Food Chain	Notable Items with MSG	MSG-Free Alternatives	Confirmed Use?
Chick-fil-A	Original Chicken Sandwich, Nuggets, Strips, Chicken Noodle Soup	Grilled Chicken, Salads, Waffle Fries	Yes
KFC	All Chicken Products, Fries, Gravy, some sauces	Most desserts, some salads	Yes
Popeyes	Chicken Sandwich, Tenders, Nuggets	Sides (check ingredients online), Desserts	Yes
McDonald's	Select regional/promotional chicken sandwiches	Most regular menu items (e.g., standard burgers, fries)	Yes, on select items
Wendy's	Some seasoned items	Some standard sandwiches and fries (check online)	Possible, on some items
Panda Express	None reported	All menu items	No added MSG

Conclusion

While the use of MSG in fast food is widespread, a closer look reveals that it is primarily concentrated in specific menu categories, most notably chicken products at chains like Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Popeyes. As consumer awareness grows, some restaurants have become more transparent about their ingredient lists, and some even offer MSG-free options. By checking restaurant websites and ingredient lists, diners can make informed decisions about their dietary choices. The presence of hidden MSG in some flavorings and additives, however, means that a consumer must be vigilant to avoid all forms of it. Ultimately, whether or not to consume MSG is a personal choice, and knowing where it is found is the first step toward that informed decision. For further information on the safety of food additives, the FDA's website is a reliable source.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG is a flavor enhancer derived from glutamic acid, an amino acid. The FDA considers it "generally recognized as safe" for consumption, though a small percentage of the population may experience mild, short-lived symptoms.

Yes, Chick-fil-A uses MSG in certain items, including its Original Chicken Sandwich, nuggets, and strips. They also offer many MSG-free options, such as their grilled chicken products.

McDonald's generally does not use MSG in its regular national menu, though it has included it in specific regional or promotional items, such as some premium chicken sandwiches.

Yes, MSG is a key ingredient in many KFC items, including its famous Original Recipe and Extra Crispy chicken, as well as its fries and gravy.

You can check the ingredient list for 'monosodium glutamate.' However, it can also appear under alternative names like 'hydrolyzed vegetable protein,' 'autolyzed yeast extract,' or 'natural flavors'.

No, not all chicken fast food restaurants use MSG. For example, Panda Express states that it does not add MSG to its dishes. It is important to check the specific restaurant's ingredient information.

To completely avoid MSG, you should be wary of any heavily processed or seasoned items at many chains, especially those known for their signature fried chicken, like Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Popeyes. It's best to check the ingredient list for specific items.