MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) Side Effects

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) is a flavor enhancer with 0 high-severity side effects. Found in 8 products in our database. FDA GRAS.

5
Known Side Effects
8
Products Contain It
0
High Severity
4
Safer Alternatives

What Is MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)?

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer widely used in processed foods and restaurant cooking. While the FDA considers it GRAS, some individuals experience 'MSG symptom complex' with symptoms including headaches and flushing.

Also known as:
Monosodium GlutamateE621Glutamic acidSodium glutamate

Known Side Effects

Moderate Headaches (MSG symptom complex)
Low Flushing and sweating
Moderate Chest pain and heart palpitations
Low Numbness and tingling
Low Nausea

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA Status

FDA GRAS. Required to be listed on labels when added directly.

🇪🇺 EU Status

Legal with maximum levels established by EFSA (2017).

Scientific References

  1. FDA recognizes 'MSG symptom complex' in sensitive individuals
  2. Double-blind studies showing inconsistent results
  3. Generally considered safe by FDA, WHO, and EFSA at normal dietary levels

Products Containing MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) (8 found)

These products were found to contain msg (monosodium glutamate) or its variants in our database of 26,000+ grocery products.

#ProductBrandScore
1Banquet Salisbury Steak with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Cinnamon Apple Dessert, Frozen Meal, 11.88 oz.Conagra Brands, Inc24/100
2great value cheddar and sour cream ripple chipsUnknown35/100
3Great Value Nacho Cheese Tortilla ChipsWalmart35/100
4GREAT VALUE, CHICKEN NOODLE CONDENSED SOUPWal-Mart Stores, Inc.42/100
5CREAM OF CHICKEN CONDENSED SOUP, CREAM OF CHICKENWal-Mart Stores, Inc.44/100
6MARKET PANTRY, CREAM OF CHICKEN CONDENSED SOUPTarget Stores47/100
7GREAT VALUE, CREAM OF CHICKEN CONDENSED SOUPWal-Mart Stores, Inc.49/100
8CREAMY FOUR CHEESE FLAVOR RICERICE A RONI59/100

Safer Alternatives to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

Nutritional yeastMushroom powderSeaweed (kombu)Tomato paste
📬

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of MSG?
Some people experience 'MSG symptom complex' including headaches, flushing, sweating, chest pain, numbness, and nausea. However, controlled studies have shown inconsistent results.
Is MSG bad for you?
The FDA, WHO, and EFSA consider MSG safe at normal dietary levels. However, some sensitive individuals may experience adverse reactions. MSG hides under names like yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, and autolyzed yeast.

⚕️ Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Side effect data is compiled from published scientific studies and regulatory assessments. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Last updated: 2026-03-05.

Other Ingredient Side Effects

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/side-effects/msg
MLA"MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/side-effects/msg.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/side-effects/msg">MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026sideeffectsmsg, title = {MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/side-effects/msg}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }