10 Surprising Sources of MSG

Considering that monosodium glutamate, or MSG as it is more commonly known, is linked to many serious health conditions, including: hormonal imbalances, weight gain, brain damage, obesity, headaches, and more, you may be shocked to learn how prevalent it is. MSG is almost always found in processed, prepared, and packaged foods. But, here are some lesser-known food sources of this harmful chemical. Be sure to check out my blog tomorrow, “Are You Eating MSG Without Knowing It?” which will tell you the many names of MSG and what to look for on food labels.

1. Soup—Most soups, even most homemade soup contains MSG, even if the cook swears it doesn’t. That’s because most soup bases, commercial stocks, and bouillion powder and cubes contain MSG.

2. Spice Mixtures—Love that Cajun seasoning, TexMex rub, or other spice mixture? Most spice mixtures contain MSG—frequently as autolyzed yeast or yeast extract.

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Michelle Schoffro Cook

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Silvija V.

2:23PM PDT on Apr 18, 2012

Useful and scary.

send a green star

ii q.

2:56PM PDT on Apr 16, 2012

vaccines & baby food??? really??? ty

Danuta W.

12:35AM PDT on Apr 16, 2012

very interesting article

Joe L.

12:08AM PDT on Mar 19, 2012

We have several friends and family members who have intense MSG allergies - think horrible migranes that last for days. Unfortunately, as you've pointed out, MSG is practically everywhere, and it's difficult find food that hasn't been contaminated. They can eat lots of fruit, veggies prepared at home, meats cooked at home, ect. Eating out is a nightmare here in Thailand because MSG is a favorite food additive here: http://youtu.be/R3m9mcmAH_o

Donna H.

9:53AM PST on Mar 8, 2012

Interesting info. Thanks for posting.

J.L. A.

7:09AM PST on Feb 29, 2012

good to know

Cat N.

10:51PM PST on Dec 31, 2011

These days a lot of bottled sauces can be found in organic form. There are also organic bouillons that don't contain MSG,

Sheri P.

11:20PM PST on Nov 17, 2011

mercy!! i read labels religiously and shop at stores that don't stock msg-laden products...

Lika S.

10:13PM PST on Nov 12, 2011

MY home made soup really DOESN'T have MSG in it. I start off using a baked chicken that I've already prepared, ate, and use the carcass for the soup stock... If I'm NOT using prepackaged ingredients, how can MSG be there?

May H.

3:07PM PDT on Nov 1, 2011