MSG - What is this?

[Saralee]

This new board is great!

My mom was recently told that she is allergic to MSG. I know that MSG is some sort of preservative. Does anyone have any ideas on what foods don't contain MSG? Thanks in advance. She is having a hard time finding foods.

[Gail]

Here you go, straight from Epicurious:

monosodium glutamate; MSG


[mon-uh-SOH-dee-uhm GLOO- tuh-mayt]
Commonly known as MSG , this white crystalline powder is derived from glutamic acid, one of the 22 amino acids. This natural amino acid is found in seaweed, vegetables, cereal gluten and the residue of sugar beets. It was first discovered by Japanese scientists in the 1920s. Japan, where MSG is known as aji-no-moto , is still today's largest producer of MSG, a popular flavor enhancer in Japanese and Chinese cooking. Even though it has no pronounced flavor of its own, monosodium glutamate has the ability to intensify the flavor of savory foods. Some people have reactions to MSG that cause them to suffer from a variety of maladies including dizziness, headache, flushing and burning sensations. MSG is found in the spice section of supermarkets either as monosodium glutamate, MSG or under brand names such as Ac'cent . Many seasoning mixes also contain MSG. Additionally, it's present in many processed foods such as snack foods, frozen entrées, salad dressings and soups. Be aware that many ingredients naturally contain MSG, but are not required by the Food and Drug Administration to be labeled as such. These ingredients include HYDROLYZED PLANT PROTEIN, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, KOMBU extract and natural flavoring or seasoning.

[chefbec]

Good one, Gail. I was just going to say it was a flavor enhancer! Saralee, lots of foods contain MSG, and as Gail said, it can be hidden with other names. Your best bet is to find foods that say "no MSG" on the label (especially things like soups which very often contain it). I see it in many of the bagged munchies, and when you go for Chinese food, you either need to go to a restaurant that doesn't use it, or request that they leave it out.

[aggie94]

There are so many foods out there that contain MSG, but it's not impossible to find the ones that don't. I have a friend who gets migraines from MSG - I've cooked for him before, and I'm careful to read labels when using anything prepackaged (sauces, soups, dips, etc.). The more you stay away from "convenience" items (like the ones I mentioned), the easier time you'll have.

[Saralee]

Thanks for your help, Gail, and others. I'll pass this along to my mom.

At first it seemed strange to me that being fifty-some she would just discover that she's allergic to MSG. But now it makes more sense. My parents were dairy farmers and raised most of our milk and meat. About four years ago they sold the cows and started new careers. Now they eat a lot more processed foods. Viola!

:)