You’ve probably seen the phrase “No MSG” or “MSG-Free” on seasoning bottles, snack foods, soups, and other packaged products.
But what does that actually mean?
Is MSG something you need to avoid? Is it the same thing as glutamate? And if a seasoning doesn’t contain MSG, where does all that flavor come from?
Let’s break it down — without the scare tactics.
First: What Is MSG?
MSG stands for monosodium glutamate.
It’s the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in the human body and in many foods. Glutamate contributes to the savory taste known as umami, which is why MSG is commonly used as a flavor enhancer.
And here’s an important distinction:
MSG and naturally occurring glutamate are not exactly the same thing as an ingredient-label term.
Foods like tomatoes and certain cheeses naturally contain glutamate. Other ingredients, including some yeast extracts and hydrolyzed proteins, can also contain naturally occurring free glutamate.
So seeing the word “glutamate” in a conversation about food does not automatically mean someone added MSG to it.
Is MSG Bad for You?
This is where the conversation can get confusing.
MSG has developed a negative reputation over the years, but the science is more nuanced than many social media posts or food labels might lead you to believe.
The FDA considers the addition of MSG to food “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS. While some people report being sensitive to MSG, controlled studies have not consistently been able to reproduce those reactions under typical eating conditions.
Some sensitive individuals may experience temporary symptoms after consuming unusually large quantities of MSG, particularly without food, but that is very different from saying MSG is inherently dangerous for everyone.
So no — we’re not going to tell you that MSG is “toxic,” poisonous, or something everyone must avoid.
That isn’t why Perry Spices chooses to formulate our seasoning blends without added monosodium glutamate.
So Why Make Seasonings Without Added MSG?
For us, it comes down to something pretty simple:
We want the ingredients themselves to do the work.
Herbs. Spices. Chiles. Garlic. Onion. Natural sweetness. Smoke. Salt. And thoughtfully developed combinations of those ingredients.
A flavor enhancer can make something taste more savory, but it isn't the only way to make food taste good.
We believe a well-developed seasoning blend should bring plenty of flavor to the table on its own.
That philosophy is a big part of how we approach Perry Spices.
We aren’t trying to make food complicated. We’re trying to make really good food easier.
What Does “No MSG” Mean on an Ingredient Label?
If monosodium glutamate is added to a packaged food, the FDA requires it to appear in the ingredient statement specifically as “monosodium glutamate.” It cannot simply be hidden under a generic term like “spices” or “flavoring.”
But there’s another wrinkle.
Some ingredients naturally contain free glutamate, including ingredients such as yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy extracts, and certain protein isolates. The FDA requires those ingredients to be listed by their actual names as well.
That’s why we always encourage people to go one step beyond the marketing on the front of a package:
Flip it over and read the ingredient list.
Whether you're looking for MSG, added sugars, allergens, fillers, preservatives, or anything else you personally prefer to limit, the ingredient panel tells you much more than a catchy claim on the front of the bottle.
MSG-Free Doesn't Automatically Mean “Healthier”
This is important.
A product being marketed as MSG-free doesn't automatically make it nutritious, minimally processed, low in sodium, or made with better ingredients.
A seasoning could contain no added MSG and still be packed with sugar, excess salt, artificial ingredients, or other ingredients you weren't expecting.
Likewise, a product containing MSG isn't automatically “bad.”
One claim never tells you the whole story.
Look at the complete ingredient list and choose products based on what matters to you.
What We Focus on at Perry Spices
Our approach has always been less about what we can put on the front of the bottle and more about what actually goes inside it.
We create bold seasoning blends using recognizable ingredients and intentionally develop each flavor so you don't need a cabinet full of individual spices to make your food taste good.
Whether you're meal-prepping chicken for the week, throwing something on the grill, making tacos on a Tuesday night, or trying to make your usual vegetables a little less boring, the goal is the same:
Big flavor. Simple ingredients. No unnecessary junk.
And yes — our blends are formulated without added monosodium glutamate.
Not because we're interested in demonizing an ingredient.
Because that's simply how we've chosen to build our products.
The Bottom Line
So, what does MSG-free seasoning actually mean?
At its simplest, it means monosodium glutamate hasn't been added to the seasoning formulation.*
But that label shouldn't be the only thing you consider when choosing a seasoning.
Read the ingredients. Know what you're buying. Decide what matters to you and your family.
And most importantly?
Your food should still taste really freaking good.
That part we're pretty passionate about. 🌶️
Looking for bold flavor without added MSG?
Explore the Perry Spices lineup of all-natural seasoning blends created to make everyday meals anything but boring.
Shop Perry Spices → PerrySpices.com
Ingredient-label terminology can be more complicated when products contain ingredients that naturally provide free glutamate. Always refer to the complete ingredient statement for the most accurate information.