Savor the Flavor of Glutamate
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1. Glutamate is a primary component of MSG.
1. Glutamate is a primary component of MSG.
1. Glutamate is a primary component of MSG.
MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate. Glutamate is one of the most abundant amino acids in nature and an important component of protein. MSG is a seasoning but it also occurs naturally in glutamate-rich foods, like tomatoes, mushrooms, and aged cheeses.
2. MSG imparts the umami taste.
1. Glutamate is a primary component of MSG.
1. Glutamate is a primary component of MSG.
Glutamate, the primary component of MSG, is the purest taste of umami, our fifth basic taste (the savory taste). In fact, MSG is often referred to as "umami seasoning" because of the delicious, savory taste it brings to a wide variety of foods.
3. MSG is plant-derived and produced by fermentation.
4. MSG is a very small part of our diet and is self-limiting.
4. MSG is a very small part of our diet and is self-limiting.
MSG is produced from natural plant-based sources such as starch or molasses derived from corn, sugar beets or sugar cane. MSG then goes through a fermentation process similar to that used for making vinegar, beer and wine, yogurt, or soy sauce.
4. MSG is a very small part of our diet and is self-limiting.
4. MSG is a very small part of our diet and is self-limiting.
4. MSG is a very small part of our diet and is self-limiting.
According to FDA, an average adult consumes approximately 13g of glutamate each day from the protein in food, while intake of added MSG is estimated at 0.55g per day (1/16 of a teaspoon). For boosting the savory flavor of foods, MSG is a self-limiting ingredient. Once an appropriate amount of MSG has been added, using more does not contribute additional flavor.
5. MSG is treated naturally by the body.
6. MSG has been safely consumed for more than a century.
6. MSG has been safely consumed for more than a century.
The human body processes glutamate in exactly the same way whether the glutamate comes from what naturally occurs in many of the foods we eat every day, or from added MSG. The body metabolizes all glutamate in the same way, whatever its source.
6. MSG has been safely consumed for more than a century.
6. MSG has been safely consumed for more than a century.
6. MSG has been safely consumed for more than a century.
Since the early 1900s, MSG has been safely consumed as a food ingredient and seasoning. The extensive body of scientific research which exists about MSG has been reviewed by independent scientists and health/regulatory authorities around the world — all have found MSG to be safe.
7. MSG as typically consumed does not cause any side effects.
7. MSG as typically consumed does not cause any side effects.
7. MSG as typically consumed does not cause any side effects.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that numerous well-conducted scientific studies have failed to show a connection between MSG and adverse health effects.
8. MSG can help reduce dietary sodium.
7. MSG as typically consumed does not cause any side effects.
7. MSG as typically consumed does not cause any side effects.
Increasing umami in food by increasing the level of glutamate can result in reduced sodium -- without compromising taste. Replacing some of the salt with MSG will reduce the sodium content. MSG is mistakenly thought of as being high in sodium; however, MSG has two-thirds less sodium than table salt. A mix of one part MSG and two parts salt is a favorite chef-inspired blend that gives foods a flavor boost while decreasing sodium by 25%.
9. MSG improves taste and balance in cooking and recipes.
9. MSG improves taste and balance in cooking and recipes.
9. MSG improves taste and balance in cooking and recipes.
In home cooking, foods rich in glutamate, such as tomatoes, aged cheeses, mushrooms and meats, are often used in cooking for their flavorful qualities. And using MSG as a flavor enhancer helps bring out the best natural flavors in a variety of foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. About one-half teaspoon MSG can enhance the flavor of one pound of meat or 4-6 servings of vegetables, casseroles or soups.
10. MSG enriches the taste of prepared foods.
9. MSG improves taste and balance in cooking and recipes.
9. MSG improves taste and balance in cooking and recipes.
In many prepared foods (chips, soups, salad dressings, frozen meals, processed meats, etc.), MSG is used to significantly boost the overall taste of the foods to which it is added. The FDA requires packaged foods to list every ingredient used, so by looking on the ingredient panel you will be able to identify those products that use MSG seasoning for added deliciousness.
Information about Glutamate, MSG, and Umami
The Glutamate Association-U.S., a member of the former International Glutamate Information Service, provides up-to-date, science-based information about glutamate, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and umami. Visit msgfacts.com to learn more about the valuable role glutamate plays in our food and our bodies, including its safety and benefits.