What is MSG (monosodium glutamate)?
Also known as: Monosodium Glutamate, E621, Monosodyum glutamat, Çin tuzu
Short answer
MSG (E621) is a flavor enhancer that adds umami (savory) taste to chips, instant soups and seasonings. The EU authority EFSA considers it safe at permitted levels. 'MSG symptom' claims have not found strong support in controlled studies. Its real meaning: an MSG product is usually heavily processed.
What is MSG (monosodium glutamate) and what does it do?
MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, which also occurs naturally in tomatoes, cheese and soy sauce. It gives foods the rich, broth-like taste called 'umami'. It is a very common flavor enhancer in processed foods.
What is it for?
A small amount gives a striking flavor and can even help reduce the salt added to a dish (glutamate contains less sodium than table salt). This is why processed-food makers use it often.
What to watch for
EFSA re-evaluated MSG in 2017 and set a group daily intake limit; at permitted use levels it is considered safe. Some people report symptoms like headache or facial flushing, but double-blind studies have not consistently confirmed this 'MSG symptom'. Practical note: MSG products are mostly high-salt, heavily processed snacks.
If you want to avoid it
You do not specifically need to avoid MSG. But a product containing MSG is usually a processed snack; reducing such products overall is a good dietary rule anyway. If you notice symptoms in yourself, avoid that product.
Products containing MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- Doritos Taco Baharatlı Medium Mısır Cipsi 53 GDoritosd
- Doritos Taco Mega Boy 218 GDoritose
- Tadım Barbekü Soslu Mısır 180 GTadımd
- Master Pops Ketçap Aromalı Mısır Çerezi 90 GMaster Nutc
- Migros Ekstra Acılı Sarımsaklı Yoğurt Aromalı Mısır Cipsi 130 GMigros Ekstrad
- Cipso Tırtıklı Ketçap Aromalı Patates Cipsi 125 GCipsod
- Bağdat Sebzeli Çeşni 250 GBağdat
- List Flavours Barbekü Soslu Mısır 75GList Nutsd
- Doritos Nacho Süper Boy 130 GDoritosc
- Sushida California Onigiri 125 GSushidac
- Çerezza 3'lü Çoklu Paket 103 GÇerezzad
- Unistanbul Cartocci Ballı Tarçınlı Ekmek Cipsi 110 GReyondan
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Frequently asked
Is MSG harmful?
EFSA considers it safe at permitted levels. The 'MSG symptom' is not strongly supported scientifically. The real issue is that MSG products are usually heavily processed.
Is MSG natural or artificial?
Glutamate occurs naturally in foods like tomatoes and cheese; MSG is its isolated sodium salt, usually produced by fermentation.
Does it cause headaches?
Some people report it, but controlled studies have not consistently confirmed it. If you notice symptoms, avoid that product.
Sources
This page is for general information; it is not medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.