Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added to many foods to enhance flavor. MSG is commonly found in canned foods, soups, fast foods, and processed foods.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that MSG is generally safe to eat, but there are still a lot of questions and disagreements about whether it is bad for your health. Therefore, the FDA requires that the ingredient is included on food labels.
Some people say that MSG can cause a few minor health problems that you should be aware of. However, more research is needed to confirm these links.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a controversial flavor enhancer added to many processed foods. Bacon is one product that sometimes contains MSG. This article looks at why MSG is added to bacon, how common it is and whether it’s something to be concerned about.
What is MSG?
MSG is a synthetic additive used to enhance the savory umami flavor of foods. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in foods like tomatoes and cheese.
MSG was first identified as a flavor enhancer in 1908 and became widely used in food manufacturing Today it can be found in everything from chips and frozen dinners to salad dressings and seasonings
Some people claim sensitivity to MSG and say it causes headaches, hives, and other symptoms. However, multiple studies have not been able to definitively link MSG consumption to these effects in the general population.
Still, some individuals seem to experience reactions to MSG so the safety of this additive continues to be debated.
Why is MSG Added to Bacon?
MSG is sometimes added to bacon and other cured meat products for a few reasons:
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Enhances salty, savory flavor – MSG contains glutamate that interacts with taste receptors to amplify umami flavors. This allows less salt to be used while maintaining a salty taste.
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Improves flavor with lower sodium – Processed meats often use MSG to reduce sodium content while retaining a bold, salty flavor.
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Masks “off” flavors – Curing and smoking can sometimes impart unpleasant flavors to meats. MSG helps cover up these tastes.
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Preserves flavor over shelf life – It helps maintain a consistent, appealing taste as foods age in storage. Flavor degradation occurs slower with MSG added.
So MSG makes bacon taste more bacon-y. It accentuates the salty, smoky flavor people expect while using potentially less sodium during curing.
Which Bacon Brands Contain MSG?
Some major bacon brands that contain MSG include:
- Oscar Mayer
- Hormel Black Label
- Smithfield
- Farmland
- Wright Brand
To check if a bacon contains MSG, read the ingredient list for these clues:
- Monosodium glutamate
- MSG
- Hydrolyzed protein
- Autolyzed yeast
- Sodium caseinate
- Natural flavors
Also look for disclaimer statements like “No MSG added” which signal that brand’s regular bacon does contain MSG.
Should You Avoid Bacon with MSG?
For most people, the small amounts of MSG used in bacon do not pose a health risk.
However, some may wish to avoid MSG-containing bacon for a few reasons:
- Perceived sensitivity to MSG reactions
- Avoiding added or artificial ingredients
- Certain dietary needs like paleo or Whole30 that restrict MSG
- Sodium-restricted diets
Thankfully, it’s easy to find MSG-free bacon options:
- Uncured/nitrate-free brands like Applegate, Wellshire
- Local or gourmet bacon producers
- Make your own bacon at home
Checking labels lets you choose bacon without MSG if it is a concern for you. For others, MSG bacon in moderation should not be an issue.
Health Concerns Beyond MSG
While MSG gets a lot of attention, there are other bacon ingredients of greater health concern:
Nitrates/Nitrites
- Used to cure and preserve bacon
- Can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when cooked at high heat
Saturated Fat
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Bacon contains high amounts of saturated fat (up to 30% of calories)
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Raises LDL cholesterol levels that increase heart disease risk
Sodium
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Bacon is very high in sodium at 380-620mg per serving
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Excess sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure
Heterocyclic Amines
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Formed when meat is cooked at very high temperatures
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Known carcinogens that may increase cancer risk
Heme Iron
- Type of iron found in meat that may cause oxidative damage and inflammation
From a nutrition standpoint, saturated fat, sodium, and nitrite/nitrate exposure are greater bacon health concerns than MSG for most people.
Healthier Alternatives to Bacon
To enjoy the smoky, salty flavor of bacon in a more healthful way, try these alternatives:
- Turkey or chicken bacon
- Coconut flakes or coconut chips
- Shiitake or eggplant bacon
- Tempeh strips
- Smoked tofu or smoked salmon
You can also make bacon-flavored seasoning from smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic powder and salt to sprinkle on foods.
The Bottom Line
MSG is sometimes added to commercial bacon products to amplify the savory umami taste. Brands that often contain MSG include Oscar Mayer, Hormel Black Label, Smithfield, and Wright.
However, MSG is unlikely to cause health issues for most people at the low amounts used in bacon. Nitrates, saturated fat and sodium content are more pressing nutrition concerns with frequent bacon consumption.
Those who wish to avoid MSG can check labels for uncured/nitrate-free bacon or alternative meatless bacon options. But for most, MSG should not be a major worry compared to other additives and nutrition factors of bacon.
Why You Should Avoid MSG
Some studies have shown that MSG may be linked to a number of health problems, such as obesity, problems with the central nervous system, and problems with reproduction. However, these areas need more research.
Symptoms that some have claimed occur after consuming MSG include:
Also, people who say they had these symptoms after eating foods high in MSG usually say they were mild or only lasted a short time.
MSG is used in many common foods available today in grocery stores and local restaurants. This substance, which is part of umami additives, is meant to make foods like snacks, soups, and noodles taste better. Here are 5 foods that contain MSG to be aware of:
- The fact that MSG makes food taste better means that it’s common to find it in seasonings that people put on meat and in stews. People often use taco seasoning packets, which are usually added to meat.
- A lot of Chinese dishes and other fast food meals, like fried chicken from fast food restaurants, use MSG. This made the food famous.
- Soups: You can also find MSG on the soup aisle at the grocery store. The additive is used to enhance their flavor and saltiness. Chicken Noodle Soup from Campbell’s, which is one of the most popular soups, has 890 milligrams of sodium and MSG in it.
- Dressings and condiments: MSG is sometimes added to condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, mustard, and salad dressings to make them taste better.
- A lot of different kinds of chips and other snacks like them contain MSG to make the salty and savory tastes that they’re famous for even better.
There are a few things you can use instead of MSG if you want to avoid the possible side effects. It is important to remember that eating a lot of MSG-containing foods, like fast food and chips, isn’t always a healthy thing to do. In fact, eating these foods regularly can make you fat, cause heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. Avoid eating these unhealthy foods to eliminate a lot of MSG from your diet.
One alternative to MSG is salt. But too much salt has been shown to lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Â.
You can also use natural flavor enhancers like ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, thyme, dill, and more that are better for you. These ingredients will help you make your home-cooked meals taste better without adding salt or MSG, which may be bad for your health.
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