Monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate, often shortened to MSG, is a common food ingredient that is used to enhance the flavour of dishes. It is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in various foods like tomatoes and cheese. However, the MSG used in food products is usually produced in a laboratory through fermentation processes.

To make monosodium glutamate, glutamic acid is combined with sodium, resulting in the white, crystalline powder known as MSG. This production process helps to create a concentrated form of glutamate, which is responsible for the savory umami taste that MSG imparts to foods. Due to its ability to enhance the overall flavour profile of dishes, MSG is a popular ingredient in many cuisines worldwide.

You may find monosodium glutamate listed on food labels as an additive under its acronym MSG. It is commonly used in a variety of processed foods such as soups, sauces, snacks, and ready meals to intensify their taste. MSG can contribute to a deeper, more robust flavour in dishes, making them more palatable to consumers. While controversial in the past, MSG is generally considered safe to consume in moderate amounts by regulatory authorities around the world.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing Monosodium glutamate

Pot Noodle Beef & Tomato
Space Raiders Beef Flavour Cosmic Corn Snacks
Pot Noodle Chicken & Mushroom
Doritos Cool Original Tortilla Chips
Walkers Doritos Chilli Heatwave Multipack Tortilla Chips
Walkers Doritos Cool Original Multipack Tortilla Chips
Walkers Doritos Tangy Cheese Multipack Tortilla Chips
KP Dry Roasted Peanuts
Walkers French Fries Ready Salted Snacks
Pringles Honey Glazed Ham Crisps, Dinner Party Edition

Pot Noodle King Chicken & Mushroom
Peperami Mini Original
Ding Dong Mixed Nuts
Pot Noodle Original Curry
Peperami Original Minis
Space Raiders Pickled Onion Flavour Cosmic Corn Snacks
Snack A Jack Sour Cream & Chive Multipack Snacks
Walkers Squares Crunchy Cheese & Onion Snacks
Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar Snacks
Walkers Wotsits GIANTS Flamin' Hot Snacks