Ingredient

To Enhance Flavor

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add MSG to foods to provide a savory, umami taste. It is often …

What it is

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer made from glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in many foods. It is produced by fermenting carbohydrates, similar to how yogurt or vinegar is made. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add MSG to foods to provide a savory, umami taste. It is often used in processed foods like canned soups, frozen dinners, and snack foods to boost their flavor profile. It is also found in some restaurant dishes.

Health notes

MSG is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some people report experiencing mild symptoms like headache or flushing after consuming MSG, though controlled studies have not consistently linked these symptoms to MSG. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated MSG and found it to be safe.

Allergen info

MSG is not derived from any of the nine major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing To Enhance Flavor

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Pastore's Inc. Minced Clams Canned Seafood 56kcal 11.1Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Tate & Lyle Sugars Chopped Ocean Clams Canned Seafood 46kcal 11.1Protein 0Fat 0Carbs

Pike Place Chowder Co. New England Clam Chowder Other Soups High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 75% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 39% DV per serving 159kcal 7.5Protein 11.0Fat 7.9Carbs Greenleaf Music Inc. Chargrilled Artichokes Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 125kcal —Protein 10.7Fat 3.6Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Chopped Salad, Barbecue Ranch Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 110kcal 6.8Protein 5.8Fat 8.9Carbs Rob Salamida Co. Inc. Italian Gourmet Spice Blend Herbs & Spices 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs

The Kroger Co. Kroger, Fresh Selections, Cobb Salad Kit For One, Romaine Lettuce, Hard Boiled Eggs, Turkey Breast, Iceberg Lettuce, Bacon, Chunky Bleu Cheese Dressing Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 47% DV per serving 158kcal 8.5Protein 13.0Fat 2.8Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Spinach Salad With Bacon & Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 39% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 215kcal 11.1Protein 11.8Fat 16.3Carbs

Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Cobb Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 43% DV per serving 141kcal 7.8Protein 11.2Fat 2.4Carbs Pamela's Products Inc. Exceptional Penne Pasta Meal, Creamy Alfredo Pasta Dinners 380kcal 16.9Protein 7.0Fat 63.4Carbs Pamela's Products Inc. Exceptional Pasta Meal, Spicy Mac N' Cheese Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 394kcal 18.3Protein 8.4Fat 60.6Carbs Pamela's Products Inc. Organic Mac N' Cheese Pasta Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 394kcal 18.3Protein 8.4Fat 60.6Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.