Many Popular McDonalds food items contain MSG (free glutamate) from various sources.

A quick look at the McDonalds ingredient list on their website makes it absolutely clear to the MSG informed. McDonalds food contains MSG (free glutamate) in many of their most popular food items. Do you eat Chicken McNuggets or Premium Chicken Breast Strips because you think they may be healthier than other things at McDonalds? If you understand at all what MSG (free glutamate) does to your body (obesity), brain, endocrine system, then you’ll want to know what to stay away from food-wise. I can’t recommend people not eat at McDonalds at all because that’s not my place, but it’s fast food and you know it’s not health food. The list following are food items on the McDonalds menu that contain MSG (free glutamate) from various sources. The ingredients listed are known to contain or are typically suspected to contain MSG (free glutamic acid) unless noted otherwise. The underlined ingredients are huge give-aways and Always contain MSG (free glutamate/glutamic acid). Also see our list of Hidden Sources of MSG on Food Labels.

Big Mac® Sauce:

• Vegetable Protein (hydrolyzed corn, soy and wheat)

Chicken Selects® Premium Breast Strip:

• Seasoning (Autolyzed Yeast Extract, maltodextrin, chicken broth, natural flavor)

Grilled Chicken Breast Filet:

• Seasoning (maltodextrin, spices, autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed (corn gluten, soy, wheat gluten), chicken broth, natural flavors

Southern Style Crispy Chicken Breast Filet:

• Yeast Extract, Carrageenan***, maltodextrin, natural flavors

Chicken McNuggets contain MSG (free glutamate).

French Fries

• Natural Beef Flavor CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK (Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients)

Chicken McNuggets®:

• Chicken Flavor (Autolyzed Yeast Extract, natural flavoring)

Barbeque Sauce:

• Soy Sauce

Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce:

• Soy Sauce

Creamy Ranch Sauce:

• Monosodium glutamate,

Yes the fries have MSG. It's beef flavoring that is hydrolyzed.

Chili Lime Tortilla Strips:

• Autolyzed Yeast Extract, maltodextrin, citric acid

Grilled Chicken Breast Filet:

• Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed (corn gluten, soy, wheat gluten) proteins, chicken broth, natural flavors

Newman’s Own® Low Fat Family Recipe Italian Dressing:

• Hydrolyzed soy protein, citric acid

Sausage Patty:

• Whey protein concentrate, monosodium glutamate, citric acid, BHA and BHT** Note: BHA & BHT do not contain MSG but there are other health risks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, consider BHA to be possibly carcinogenic to humans, and the State of California has listed it as a carcinogen. Some studies show the same cancer causing possibilities for BHT

Southern Style Chicken Sandwich has MSG (free glutamate)

Hash Browns:

• Natural Beef Flavor (wheat and milk derivatives) Note: Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients.
  

Sausage & Scrambled Egg Mix:

• Monosodium Glutamate

Southern Style Crispy Breakfast Chicken Breast:

• Yeast Extract, carrageenan***, maltodextrin, natural flavor

***A Note About Carrageenan

“Carrageenan increases free radicals. It is a polysaccharide made from a seaweed, the substance is known to produce intense inflammatory reactions when injected into tissues. In fact, the intense reaction is so reproducible it is used when researchers want to study inflammation. Inflammation is strongly associated with intense free-radical production within tissues. It also may promote accelerated bowel cancer growth.” Carrageenan is used as a thickener. When even small amounts of carrageenan are injected near developing tumors in animals, tumor growth, and eventual metastasis, increases dramatically¹.”
-Source: Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills by Russell Blaylock M.D.

1.) Raz A, Levine G, Khomiak Y. Acute local inflammation potentiates tumor growth in mice. Cancer Letters 148(2000): 115-120

Swanson Natural Goodness Chicken Broth contains MSG in the form of Autolyzed Yeast Extract

Swanson Natural Goodness Chicken Broth

Swanson puts on an image of being natural and healthy but all you need is to glance at their ingredient label for 2 seconds to see that it is all lip service. Autolyzed Yeast Extract is a big, big baddie. Autolyzed Yeast Extract means MSG (free glutamate). Swanson also has an “Organic” version of their chicken broth, and yup, you guessed it, there is MSG in it. They can get away with the “No MSG” labeling because technically there is no “monosodium glutamate” added to it. Monosodium Glutamate is a food additive. But you don’t need to add straight monosodium glutamate to a product to get glutamate into your product. There are ways to process foods that already contain glutamate and brake the amino acids (glutamate) from its protein binding. Once the amino acids are broken free from the proteins natural peptide bind the acids are now free, to make your food taste “better”, and free to wreck havock on your bodys glutamate receptors, especially your neurological system (your brain). For more about Yeast Extract read our article on Campbells Soup and their new deceptive marketing campaign.

Swanson Natural Goodness Chicken Stock Ingredients:
Chicken Stock, Contains Less Than 2% of: Salt, Flavoring, Dextrose, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Celery Juice Concentrate, Carrot Juice Concentrate, Onion Juice Concentrate.

Rachael Ray Stock-In-A-Box contains MSG

Rachael Ray’s Chicken and Beef Stock-In-A-Box

I don’t have the box in front of me so I don’t know if they make any claims of No MSG.As you can see, both flavors of stock contains “Yeast Extract”. If you don’t know what yeast extract is, you can read more here. Yes, yeast extract means MSG (free glutamate).

Beef Stock Ingredients:
Concentrated beef  stock (contains: beef stock, sea salt, yeast extract), vegetable stock (carrot, celery, onion, leek, natural flavor).

Chicken Stock Ingredients:
Chicken stock, sea salt, natural chicken flavor, yeast extract, chicken fat, garlic powder, vegetable stock (carrot, celery, onion), bay, thyme, marjoram, carrot powder.

Walmart Chicken & Beef Broth contain MSG (free glutamate) in the form of Yeast Extract

Walmart Great Value Chicken Broth

Contains yeast extract which contains MSG (free glutamate).

Ingredients:
Chicken Broth from Concentrate, Yeast Extract, Salt, Natural Flavor.

Also see our list of Hidden Sources of MSG on Food Ingredient Labels.

Some Starbucks Sandwiches contain MSG

Some Starbucks sandwiches and pasta contain MSG in various forms of free glutamate such as Yeast Extract and Autolyzed Yeast Extract. Nutrition facts and ingredient listings are unique to each region or market. I took selections of sandwiches from the U.S. west coast and east coast. Included are breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and pasta. The sandwiches that contain MSG are as listed:

(*) Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich
(*) Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon, Cholesterol-Free Egg, Reduced-Fat White Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
(*) Portobello Mushroom Piadini
(*) Pesto Pasta with White Chicken

Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich

INGREDIENTS:

TARRAGON CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT SALAD (FULLY COOKED DICED CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT [CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT, WATER, SEASONING (SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, FLAVORING, CHICKEN FAT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% DRIED CHICKEN, CHICKEN BROTH, CITRIC ACID, DEXTRIN, DEXTROSE, SUGAR), RICE STARCH, SALT, BLACK PEPPER], LIGHT MAYONNAISE [WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH*, EGG YOLKS, VINEGAR (CONTAINS SULFITES), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, EGGS, MUSTARD FLOUR, WITH POTASSIUM SORBATE* AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA AS PRESERVATIVES, PHOSPHORIC ACID*, DL-ALPHA TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), OLEORESIN PAPRIKA, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, PHYLLOQUINONE (VITAMIN K1), *INGREDIENTS NOT NORMALLY FOUND IN MAYONNAISE], CELERY, FAT FREE PLAIN YOGURT [CULTURED PASTEURIZED GRADE A FAT FREE MILK, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (MILK), KOSHER GELATIN, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE], DRIED SWEETENED CRANBERRIES [CRANBERRIES, SUGAR, SUNFLOWER OIL], MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, TARRAGON, CELERY SEED, BLACK PEPPER), MULTIGRAIN BREAD (BLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLATE], WATER, YELLOW CORN GRITS, BROWN SUGAR [SUGAR, CANE SYRUPS], YEAST, WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, HONEY, PRECOOKED LONG GRAIN BROWN RICE, BABY OAT FLAKES, COARSE CRACKED WHEAT, WHEAT GLUTEN, SALT, SESAME SEEDS, DOUGH IMPROVER: [WHEAT FLOUR, CALCIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE, SALT, CALCIUM SULFATE, DATEM, SOY OIL, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: POTASSIUM IODATE, ASCORBIC ACID, ENZYME, L-CYSTEINE, AZODICARBONAMIDE], CALCIUM PROPIONATE [TO RETARD SPOILAGE], POPPY SEED, CARAMEL COLOR, WHEAT FLOUR AND ENZYMES, ASCORBIC ACID), LETTUCE.

Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon, Cholesterol-Free Egg, Reduced-Fat White Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients:
MULTIGRAIN ENGLISH MUFFIN (UNBLEACHED ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR [FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, REDUCED IRON, NIACIN, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], WATER, WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, FARINA, SOYBEAN OIL, YEAST, SUGAR, MOLASSES, FLAXSEEDS, HONEY, WHEAT GLUTEN, PRESERVATIVES [CALCIUM PROPIONATE, SORBIC ACID], SALT, RYE, CORN CEREAL, DEXTROSE, GROUND CORN, MONOGLYCERIDES, BROWN RICE, OATS, SOYBEANS, TRITICALE, BARLEY, MILLET, CALCIUM CARBONATE, NONFAT MILK, CARAMEL COLOR, SOY FLOUR, WHEY, NATAMYCIN [A NATURAL MOLD INHIBITOR]),CHOLESTEROL FREE EGG PATTY (EGG WHITES, WATER, WHEY SOLIDS, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, DICALCIUM PHOSPAHTE, SALT, NONFAT DRIED MILK, SODIUM BICARBONATE, NATURAL EGG FLAVOR, BUTTER FLAVOR [SUNFLOWER OIL, NATURAL FLAVORS, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, PALM KERNEL OIL], COLOR (INCLUDES BETA CAROTENE), GUAR GUM, XANTHAN GUM, LIQUID PEPPER EXTRACT), REDUCED-FAT WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES, VITAMIN A PALMITATE), TURKEY BACON (WHITE TURKEY, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED TURKEY, TURKEY FAT, WATER, SUGAR, SALT, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS SMOKE BACON FLAVOR [MALTODEXTRIN, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORYEAST EXTRACT (CONTAINS NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR), SUGAR, SALT], BACON TYPE FLAVOR [MALTODEXTRIN, GUM, ACACIA, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORING, HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN, , MODIFIED CORN STARCH , XANTHAN GUM, SUCCINIC ACID], SMOKE FLAVORING, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE, NATURAL FLAVORING, VEGETABLE OIL).

Portobello Mushroom Piadini

Ingredients:
CRUST (ENRICHED MALTED FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE, MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], WHOLE MILK, [MILK, VITAMIN D], UNSALTED BUTTER [CREAM FROM MILK], PASTEURIZED HOMOGENIZED EGGS [WHOLE EGGS, CITRIC ACID (TO PRESERVE COLOR), WATER], CANOLA OIL, SUGAR, PARMESAN CHEESE [PASTEURIZED CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, POWDERED CELLULOSE (TO PREVENT CAKING)], INSTANT YEAST [YEAST, SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE, ASCORBIC ACID], SALT, PARSLEY, SAGE) SPINACH FETA RICOTTA FILLING MIX (FETA CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, CHEESE CULTURE, ENZYMES, POTATO STARCH (TO PREVENT CAKING)], PART SKIM RICOTTA CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK, PASTEURIZED WHEY, PASTEURIZED CREAM, VINEGAR, SALT, STABILIZER (MODIFIED CORN STARCH, GUAR GUM, CARRAGEENAN), POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS A PRESERVATIVE)], SPINACH, GARLIC POWDER, SALT) PORTOBELLO FILLING MIX (PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS, ONION, UNSALTED BUTTER [CREAM FROM MILK], SALT, BLACK PEPPER) SCRAMBLED EGGS (WHOLE EGGS, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SALT, CITRIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM).

*Note: The Portobello Mushroom Piadini contains the inflammatory additive Carrageenan. This is used as a thickener in many food, especially dairy products. Carrageenan is used in the laboratory to create inflammatory effect in the tissues of animals. Inflammation creates high levels of free radicals which can lead to an increased risk of cancer especially when combined with other harmful excitotoxins such as MSG (free glutamate) or Aspartame.

Pesto Pasta with White Chicken

Ingredients:
PESTO PASTA SALAD (WATER, CAMPANELLE PASTA [SEMOLINA (WHEAT), DURUM FLOUR (WHEAT), NIACIN, IRON (FERROUS SULFATE), THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], LITE RANCH DRESSING [CULTURED BUTTERMILK, CANOLA OIL, SOUR CREAM (CULTURED MILK AND CREAM, WHEY, SKIM MILK POWDER, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, MALTODEXTRIN, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM CITRATE, GUAR GUM, CARRAGEENAN GUM, CALCIUM SULFATE, LOCUST BEAN GUM, ENZYMES), WATER, EGG YOLK, CIDER VINEGAR (CONTAINS SULFITES), DISTILLED VINEGAR, SUGAR, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, MALTODEXTRIN, DRIED GARLIC, DRIED ONION, XANTHAN GUM, CARRAGEENAN GUM, SPICE, DRIED GREEN ONION], LIGHT MAYONNAISE [WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH*, EGG YOLKS, VINEGAR, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, EGGS, MUSTARD FLOUR, WITH POTASSIUM SORBATE* AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA AS PRESERVATIVES, PHOSPHORIC ACID*, DL-ALPHA TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), OLEORESIN PAPRIKA, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, PHYLLOQUINONE (VITAMIN K1), *INGREDIENT NOT NORMALLY FOUND IN MAYONNAISE], BASIL PESTO [CANOLA OIL, BASIL, NON-GMO AND RBGH-FREE PARMESAN CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART-SKIM COW'S MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT AND ENZYMES), FRESH GARLIC, WATER, RICE VINEGAR, SALT AND BLACK PEPPER], BASIL, SHREDDED PARMESAN CHEESE [PARMESAN CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART-SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), POWDERED CELLULOSE (CELLULOSE, DEXTROSE, ENZYME) ADDED TO PREVENT CAKING], RICE WINE VINEGAR [REDUCED WITH WATER TO 4.5% ACIDITY BY VOLUME], PARSLEY, GARLIC, SALT), TOMATO, FULLY COOKED ITALIAN STYLE ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST STRIPS WITH RIB MEAT (BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS WITH RIB MEAT, WATER, SEASONING [ROMANO, BLUE AND PARMESAN CHEESES (PART SKIM COW'S MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), SALT, ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, TAPIOCA STARCH, SUGAR, PAPRIKA, HYDROLYZED SOY AND CORN PROTEIN, GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, SPICES, PARSLEY, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL FLAVORS, GUM ARABIC, LACTIC ACID, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, CREAM, WHEY POWDER, BUTTERFAT, SODIUM CASEINATE, GELATIN], SODIUM PHOSPHATES), LETTUCE, DRY ROASTED PINE NUTS (PIGNOLIAS).

Also see: Hidden Sources of MSG on Food Ingredient Labels

Terra Vegetable Chip products containing MSG:

• Terra Mediterranean Chips
• Terra Zesty Tomato Chips
• Terra Stripes & Blues Gourmet Barbeque Chips
• Terra Kettles Arrabiatta Potato Chips
• Terra Kettles General Tso Potato Chips
  

Terra Vegetable Chips contain MSG in the form of Autolyzed Yeast Extract

Terra Mediterranean Chips

Ingredients: a seasonal mix of root vegetables (sweet potato, parsnip, batata, taro, yuca), canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, seasoning (whey {milk}, sea salt, evaporated cane juice, spices, onion powder, garlic powder, autolyzed yeast extract, natural olive oil flavor, citric acid, vinegar powder [maltodextrin, distilled vinegar solids], safflower oil, oil of lemon, toasted sesame oil), beet juice concentrate (for color).

Terra Zesty Tomato Chips

Ingredients: seasonal mix of root vegetables (sweet potato, parsnip, batata, taro, yuca) canola oil and/or safflower oil and /or sunflower oil, seasoning (tomato powder, sea salt, organic evaporated cane sugar juice, natural worcestershire flavor [natural flavor (with organic tamari soy sauce powder (soybeans, rice flour, rice maltodextrin , salt, soy lecithin), tapioca dextrin), salt, fructose, sugar, maltodextrin, onion powder, spices, garlic powder], autolyzed yeast extract, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar powder [maltodextrin, white distilled vinegar], celery seed, citric acid, spices, dehydrated parsley, toasted sesame oil), beet juice concentrate (for color).

Terra Stripes & Blues Gourmet Barbeque Chips

Ingredients: A seasonal mix of root vegetables (sweet potato, blue potato, beets), canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, seasoning (organic evaporated cane juice, sea salt, tomato powder, molasses powder [molasses, maltodextrin], garlic powder, onion powder, autolyzed yeast extract, vinegar powder [maltodextrin, white distilled vinegar], torula yeast, natural worcestershire flavor [tamari soy sauce powder, (soybeans, rice flour, rice maltodextrin, salt, soy lecithin) tapioca dextrin], salt, fructose, sugar, maltodextrin, onion powder, spices, garlic powder, maltodextrin, citric acid, natural hickory smoke flavor, malt vinegar solids, toasted sesame oil, extractive of paprika, natural flavor), beet juice concentrate (for color). Contains: Soy

Terra Kettles Arrabiatta Potato Chips

Ingredients: White potatoes, canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, seasoning ( tomato powder, sea salt, garlic powder, spices, onion powder, dehydrated cane juice, autolyzed yeast, dehydrated parsley, citric acid, malic acid, natural flavors, extractive of paprika).

Terra Kettles General Tso Potato Chips

Ingredients: White potatoes, canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, seasoning (organic evaporated cane sugar juice, sea salt, honey powder [maltodextrin, honey], spices, balsamic vinegar powder [maltodextrin], dehydrated tamari soy sauce [soybeans, salt], maltodextrin, garlic powder, autolyzed yeast extract, onion powder, citric acid, toasted sesame oil, natural flavors [gum acaccia], extractive of paprika).

Terra Kettles Potato Chips contain MSG

This is not a complete list of Terra products with MSG (free glutamate). As with all packaged food, RTFL, Read The Freakin’ Label. You don’t need to feed your family and children toxic additives and adulterated food.

Also see my list of Hidden Sources of MSG

Veggie Brats Meatless Classic contains MSG

Veggie Brats Meatless Classic

Ingredients:
Water, Isolated Soy protein, Wheat Gluten, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Seasoning (Corn syrup solids, dextrose, salt, flavor, garlic powder, natural smoke flavor, spice), Textured wheat protein, Natural Flavors (contains yeast extract, sesame oil), Dextrose, Brown sugar, Vitamins & Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Cyanocobalamin [Vitamin B12], Thiamine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B1], Calcium Pantothenate, Ferric Orthophosphate, Dimagnesium Phosphate, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxide), Carrageenan, Modified Cellulose, Wheat Starch, Onion powder, Garlic Powder, Hydrolyzed Soy and Corn Protein, Caramel Color, Black pepper, Salt, Beet powder and paprika (for color).

There’s approximately 7-8 sources of MSG (free glutamate) alone in this meatless soy product.

Yves Meatless Hot Dogs contain MSG

Yves Meatless Hot Dog

Ingredients:
water, isolated soy protein, vital wheat gluten, natural flavors, salt, wheat starch, evaporated cane juice powder, spices, carrageenan, vitamins & minerals (thiamin hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin, calcium panthothenate, ferric orthophosphate, iron oxide, zinc oxide, dimagnesium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate), beet powder and paprika (for color).

Approximately 3-4 sources of MSG (free glutamate) in these hot dogs. See the note at the bottom regarding Carrageenan.

Yves Meatless Chicken Burger contains MSG

Yves Meatless Chicken Burger

Ingredients:
water, textured soy protein (TVP), vital wheat gluten, natural flavors (contain torula yeast and autolyzed yeast extract), expeller pressed canola oil, carrageenan, modified vegetable gum, salt, corn starch, onion powder, evaporated cane juice, lemon juice powder, garlic powder, spices, parsley flakes, vitamins & minerals: (thiamin hydrochloride, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamine, calcium pantothenate, reduced iron, zinc oxide), beta carotene (for color).
Approximately 4-5 sources of MSG (free glutamate).

Yves Meatless Deli Turkey contains MSG

Yves Meatless Deli Turkey Slices

Ingredients:
water, wheat gluten, natural flavors ( contains autolyzed yeast), isolated soy protein, wheat starch, expeller pressed canola oil, vitamins & minerals (dipotassium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate, zinc oxide, ferric orthophosphate, calcium panthothenate, thiamin hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin), evaporated cane juice, extractive of paprika (for color), garlic powder, salt, spices, carrageenan, citric acid.

Approximately 3-4 sources of MSG (free glutamate). See the note at the bottom regarding Carrageenan.

While looking at the Yves website, I honestly can’t find ANY products that don’t have MSG! I’ve looked at about 80% of their products ingredient list and I can’t find anything that is free of MSG (free glutamate) in any capacity. Of course, when you’re using a product like soy which basically tastes like nothing after it’s stripped down in the disgusting processing phase, you have to add flavor back, or nobody would ever eat this stuff. MSG is almost always the first thing to add and lots of it. Soy isn’t even good for you folks. Just read some of Mike Adams articles over at NaturalNews. Dr. Russell Blaylock says that soy is NOT a health food but the health foods industry is marketing it extremely hard as just that, trying to sell you on it’s supposed health benefits. If you don’t eat meat that’s totally understandable, but don’t eat this stuff if you care at all about your health in regards to MSG and carageenan. It’s just all bad. I’ll be reviewing other meatless soy products too, I’m not just picking on Yves only. If you’re putting MSG in your products (especially if you label it as a natural products or No MSG) I’m coming after you!

Some information about Carrageenan

“Carrageenan increases free radicals. It is a polysaccharide made from a seaweed, the substance is known to produce intense inflammatory reactions when injected into tissues. In fact, the intense reaction is so reproducible it is used when researchers want to study inflammation. Inflammation is strongly associated with intense free-radical production within tissues. It also may promote accelerated bowel cancer growth.” Carrageenan is used as a thickener. When even small amounts of carrageenan are injected near developing tumors in animals, tumor growth, and eventual metastasis, increases dramatically¹.”
-Source: Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills by Russell Blaylock M.D.

1.) Raz A, Levine G, Khomiak Y. Acute local inflammation potentiates tumor growth in mice. Cancer Letters 148(2000): 115-120

Annie's Peace Pasta & Parmesan contains MSG in the form of Yeast Extract

Annie’s Organic Peace Pasta & Parmesan

Annie’s Organic Peace Pasta & Parmesan contains yeast extract which is processed specifically to produce free glutamic acid (MSG) from yeast. This is the only Annie’s Macaroni & Cheese product that contains yeast extract that I’m aware of. I bought this product without even looking at the ingredients (which is not like me at all). I frequently buy Annie’s Mac & Cheese products because I know they are pretty safe in regards to MSG. This one slipped past me though. It makes me wonder why Annie’s felt the need to add this form of MSG to this product, they typically appear to be really good about this sort of thing. I wouldn’t recommend this specific Annie’s product however.

Ingredients: ORGANIC SEMOLINA PASTA FROM DURUM WHEAT, ORGANIC PARMESAN CHEESE (ORGANIC CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, NON-ANIMAL ENZYMES), ORGANIC WHEY, ORGANIC CHEDDAR CHEESE (ORGANIC CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, NON-ANIMAL ENZYMES), SALT, ORGANIC CORN STARCH, ORGANIC CREAM, ORGANIC GARLIC, NATURAL SODIUM PHOSPHATE, ORGANIC ONION, YEAST EXTRACT, ORGANIC WHITE PEPPER.

These ALWAYS contain MSG:

• Glutamate
• Glutamic Acid
• Monosodium Glutamate
• Monopotassium Glutamate
• Yeast Extract
• Yeast Food
• Yeast Nutrient
  
• Autolyzed Yeast
• Autolyzed Yeast Extract
• Torula Yeast
  
• Autolyzed Soy Protein (any protein that is autolyzed)
  
• Hydrolyzed Protein (any protein that is hydrolyzed)
• Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
• Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
  
• Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
  
• Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten
  
• Calcium Caseinate
• Sodium Caseinate
• Textured Protein
• Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
• Natrium Glutamate (natrium is Latin/German for sodium)
• Gelatin
  

These OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing:

• Carageenan
• Malt Extract
• Malt Flavoring
• Barley Malt
  
• Maltodextrin
• Citric Acid¹
• Soy Protein Isolate
• Soy Sauce
• Soy Sauce Extract
• Soy Protein
• Soy Protein Concentrate
• Bouillon
• Broth
• Stock
• Spices* (may contain between 30% to 60% MSG)
• Natural Beef Flavoring
• Natural Chicken Flavoring
• Natural Pork Flavoring
• Ultra-Pasteurized
• Whey Protein
  
• Whey Protein Isolate
• Whey Protein Concentrate
• Protein Fortified Anything
• Flavor(s) & Flavoring(s)* (may contain between 30% to 60% MSG)
  
• Natural Flavor(s) & Flavoring(s)* (may contain between 30% to 60% MSG)
• Pectin
• Protease
• Protease Enzymes
• Enzymes Anything
  
• Anything Enzyme Modified
• Anything Protein Fortified
• Anything Fermented
• Seasonings (the word “seasonings”)
• Fish Sauce²
  
• Fish Sauce Extract

1.)  Most of the “citric acid” used today is made from corn rather than from citrus fruits. “Citric acid” is produced by fermentation of crude sugars. When “citric acid” is produced from corn, manufacturers do not take the time or undertake the expense to remove all corn protein. During processing, the remaining protein is hydrolyzed, resulting in some processed free glutamic acid (MSG). “Citric acid” also interacts with any protein in the food to which it is added, freeing up more glutamic acid.

2.)  Some fish sauce manufacturers use cheaper techniques to cut the fermentation times very short and these techniques typically utilize MSG. Fish sauce typically takes 1 year to ferment properly and create a good quality sauce. This time is cut extremely short by some manufacturers that choose not to ferment the fish this long and instead add MSG to make up for poorer quality fish sauce.

Note: Soybean milk naturally contains a high content of glutamate. Kombu, miso, and soy sauce all contain MSG.

The Secret Recipe is...MSG. Shhhh, don't tell anybody

I’m just going to comment on a couple of the regular staples of KFC.

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Gravy: Food Starch-Modified, Maltodextrin, Enriched Wheat Flour (Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Chicken Fat, Wheat Flour, Salt, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Monosodium Glutamate, Dextrose, Palm And Canola Oils, Mono and Diglycerides, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Natural and Artificial Flavor (with Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Milk), Caramel Color (Treated With Sulfiting Agents), Onion Powder, Disodium Inosinate*, Disodium Guanylate*, Spice, Spice Extractives, With Not More Than 2% Silicon Dioxide Added As An Anti-caking.
Contains Wheat, Soy and Milk.

*Note: Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate are expensive flavor enhancers that are not MSG themselves but  act directly with MSG to further enhance it. So if you see these two ingredients lurking on your ingredient label, don’t eat it, it means there is MSG in it for sure. This tip is from Dr. Russell Blaylock’s books on Excitotoxins.

As you can see, in the ingredient list above we have at least 3 hard-core sources of monosodium glutamate on the label (MSG, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Hydrolyzed Corn Protein), as well as the peculiar “Spice and Spice Extractives” which hardly matter at this point.

Seasoned Rice
Long Grain Enriched Rice(Iron, Thiamine, and Folic Acid). Seasoned with: Dehydrated Vegetables (Carrots, Onion, Garlic, Parsley, Celery), Salt, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Maltodextrin, Monosodium Glutamate, Yeast Extract, Chicken Broth, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Modified Food Starch, Sugar, Butter (Sweet Cream, Salt, Annatto Color), Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Cooked Chicken, Chicken Fat, Nonfat Milk Solids, Gelatin, Sodium Phosphate, Flavor, Lactose, Disodium Inosinate* & Disodium Guanylate*, Natural Flavor, Sodium Caseinate, Extractive of Turmeric, Spices (Including Turmeric), Lactic Acid, BHA, Propyl Gallate & Citric Acid Added To Protect Flavor, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate.
Contains Milk and Soy.

I counted 6 ingredients including MSG in the Seasoned Rice. Wow, do we really need this much in rice? Speaking of which, Rice-A-Roni is a real baddie also. It the seasoning packet, the rice by itself is good, but taking away the seasoning packet from Rice-A-Roni makes it just plain fucking rice. What fun is that? It’s not.

I found these entries from NationMaster regarding KFC:

“According to the nutritional information provided on KFC’s own website, the ingredients for KFC Original Recipe Chicken are: Fresh chicken marinated with: salt, sodium phosphate and monosodium glutamate, and breaded with: wheat flour, sodium chloride and anti-caking agent (tricalcium phosphate), nonfat dry milk, dried egg whites and the Colonel’s Secret Original Recipe Seasoning.^[16]“

“In 1983, writer William Poundstone tackled the recipe in his book Big Secrets. He reviewed Sanders’ patent application, and advertised in college newspapers for present or former employees willing to share their knowledge.^[18] From the former he deduced that Sanders had diverged from other common fried-chicken recipes by varying the amount of oil used with the amount of chicken being cooked, and starting the cooking at a higher temperature (about 400°F, 200°C) for the first minute or so and then lowering it to 250°F (120°C) for the remainder of the cooking time. Several of Poundstone’s contacts also provided samples of the seasoning mix, and a food lab found that it consisted solely of sugar, flour, salt, black pepper and monosodium glutamate (MSG). He concluded that it was entirely possible that, in the years since Sanders sold the chain, later owners had begun skimping on the recipe to save costs.^[19] Sanders himself expressed anger at the changes made to the gravy, saying, “That friggin’ … outfit …. They prostituted every goddam thing I had. I had the greatest gravy in the world and those sons of bitches they dragged it out and extended it and wa­tered it down that I’m so goddamn mad.”^[20]“

And there you have it, MSG galore at KFC, but then again…you already knew that.

KFC Ingredients List

http://www.kfc.com/nutrition/pdf/kfc_ingredients.pdf

NationMaster Encylopedia
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/KFC

No MSG...except for that in Yeast Extract...nice try Campbells.

There’s been a lot of controversy over MSG lately, especially on TV. I’m sure you’ve noticied the soup wars commercials that have been going on for a couple months now between Campbell’s and Progresso. Campbells came out with a new line of “light” soups that they say contain No MSG, however, if you notice the fine print on the bottom of the can: “except for the small amount naturally occuring in yeast extract”. I had a good laugh at that.

It’s interesting that Campbells Soup has a line of approximately 90 products that contain straight-up Monosodium Glutamate, Blamm-O in-your-face, not hidden in other ingredients, on the label. Yet they are calling out Progresso for having MSG in their soup. It doesn’t make sense that they would call so much attention to their competition’s products without their customers taking a look at their own MSG-laced products.

Screenshot of the Ingredient Glossary from the Campbells website. Where's Yeast Extract?

The Yeast Extract Situation

Let’s take a look at exactly what Yeast Extract is and find out if it does in fact have MSG and if so, how much. First I pulled info from The European Association of Specialty Yeast Products.

Definition of Yeast Extract?

When a yeast cell is inactivated, a natural digestion process called “autolysis” starts. During this process the yeast’s own enzymes break down proteins and other parts of the cell. This causes the release of peptides, amino acids [glutamic acid - MSG*], vitamins and other yeast cell components which, once the insoluble components have been removed, is called “Yeast Extract“.

The Food Chemical Codex defines Yeast Extract as follows: ” Yeast Extract comprises the water soluble components of the yeast cell, the composition of which is primarily amino-acids, peptides, carbohydrates and salts. Yeast Extract is produced through the hydrolysis of peptide bonds by the naturally occurring enzymes present in edible yeast or by the addition of food-grade enzymes”.

Yeast Extract Production Process to bring out the MSG

So what we are looking at is not “natural” yeast in the sense of an unaltered ingredient unlike regular old “yeast” that you would use in baking and such. It is specifically called Yeast Extract because of the process they put it through to extract the amino acids (glutamic acids – *MSG) in the proteins of the yeast. This process of hydrolysis brakes the natural protein cell walls and releases the amino acids from their peptide chains, which then makes the amino acids free floating, this is the harmful type of amino acids. When amino acids are bound inside their protein properly they are harmless and the body processes and breaks them down slowly and naturally. When the amino acids are broken free from their protein they are now in a state that can cause a lot of problems. And oh yeah, they make your food taste “better”, but at the expense of your health and specifically your neurological health.

Production Process of Yeast Extract

The raw material is baker’s or brewer’s yeast. The yeast cells undergo the following treatments :

• Separation from the culture medium
• Opening of the cells : moderate heat treatment or salt addition which allows the conservation of the enzymes
• Autolysis : this step of the process is performed under mild conditions of pH and temperature ; its duration depends on the type of yeast and to what extent the proteins have to be broken down
• Separation of the insoluble part such as Yeast Cell Walls from the water soluble components of yeast (mainly proteins, peptides, amino-acids, etc…) which constitute the Yeast Extract
• Concentration and pasteurisation of the Yeast Extract solution
• Packaging in pails, drums or totes for the liquid and paste forms (resp. 50 – 65 % and 70 – 80 % dry matters)
• or Spray drying and Packaging in bags, boxes, big bags for the powder forms, which can be in fine or granulated particles, or even oil coated to prevent the emission of dust.

With the production process we can confirm they use Autolysis which brakes down the proteins to release the amino acids (glutamic acid which is MSG). So you want to know exactly what Autolysis is to ensure this process is releasing the Glutamic acids? Here is a definition of Autolysis from the web:

“In biology autolysis may refer to the destruction of a cell through the action of its own enzymes. It may also refer to the digestion of an enzyme by another molecule of the same enzyme. The term derives from the Greek words αυτό (“self”) and λύσις (“splitting”).”

“In the food industry, autolysis involves killing the yeast and encouraging the breakdown of the cells by enzymes. It is used to give different flavors. For yeast extract, this process is triggered by the addition of salt.”

The Two Main Application of Yeast Extract

• Natural aromatic ingredient for savoury foods

Yeast Extracts are increasingly used for their unique taste, which is the result of amino acids and small peptides formed out of the yeast protein by the autolysis process. They constitute a natural flavour ingredient, imparting delicate bouillon, meaty or cheesy notes and enhancing the flavour for a wide range of food products : soups, sauces, meat and fish preparations, savoury mixes, etc.

• Source of nitrogen & growth factors for culture media

Yeast Extracts are rich in nitrogen, vitamins and other growth stimulating compounds and therefore are used as an ingredient in media for the cultivation of microorganisms. These organisms are for example used in the production of antibiotics, biopharmaceuticals, vitamins, organic acids, dairy cultures, probiotics, etc.

Flavor Enhancer Chart from JT Seasoning World, a producer of Yeast Extract

The following is a FAQ from the EURaSYP (European Association of Specialty Yeast Products):

Does Yeast Extract Contain MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)?

“The amino-acids contained in the Yeast Extracts result exclusively from the proteins present in food grade Yeasts (baker’s or brewer’s or lactic) which are used to manufacture the Extracts. Those amino-acids contain a large proportion of essential amino-acids, particularly lysine, together with glutamic acid. The Yeast Extracts contain a maximum of 18 % glutamic acid on the basis of the total protein content (total glutamic acid refers to both free glutamic acid and glutamic acid in small peptides). The free glutamic acid content is between 6 % and 13 % of the total protein content. This free glutamic acid, which is a natural component of Yeast Extract, plays a major role in its aromatic power. Glutamic acid, also referred to as monosodium glutamate (MSG) has flavor enhancing capabilities and is associated with Umami, the fifth taste sensation.”

“All EURaSYP members guarantee that the ingredients they market under the Yeast Extract denomination contain no added glutamic acid or MSG beside the natural one originating from the Yeasts themselves.”

Did you read that last little paragraph? They Admit there is MSG in yeast extract but then they say “but it’s Natural MSG so it’s Good. That makes me laugh. Cyanide is natural but does that mean we should eat it? Lead is natural but does that mean we should start eating paint chips? But they’re NATURAL! If MSG was considered organic would that make it harmless all of a sudden? No. It’s all marketing.

Don’t be a sucker to the food industry. Read the labels and get informed. MSG is not going away, but they will be looking for new ways to put it in your food disguised in another less harmful sounding ingredient. That’s why you need to keep your self updated on the new MSG-laced ingredient names so you can look out for them and avoid them.

Sources:

The European Association of Specialty Yeast Products

http://www.eurasyp.org/public.levure.extrait.screen

JT Seasonings World
http://www.jt-seasoning.com/en/

Difco Manual  – Biological
Difco Manual 11th ed., Sparks, MD , (1998), 572-574

Most of the glutamic acid with which consumers come in contact is found in protein where it is connected to (or bound to) other amino acids. There are two forms of glutamic acid found in nature: L-glutamic acid and D-glutamic acid. When glutamic acid is found in protein it is referred to as bound glutamic acid. The glutamic acid found in protein is L-glutamic acid, only. Eating protein (which will contain bound glutamic acid that is L-glutamic acid, only) does not cause either brain damage or adverse reactions.

Glutamic acid outside of protein is referred to as free glutamic acid. Manufactured/processed free glutamic acid (MSG) always contains D-glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, and various other contaminants in addition to Lglutamic acid. Manufactured/processed free glutamic acid (MSG) causes brain lesions and neuroendocrine disorders in laboratory animals. Manufactured/processed free glutamic acid (MSG) also causes adverse reactions which include skin rash, tachycardia, migraine headache, depression, and seizures in humans.

MSG is an excitotoxin, a substance that overexcites cell neurons causing cell damage and, eventually, cell death. These excitotoxins are able to enter and cause damage to the brain because humans lack a blood-brain barrier in the hypothalamus. The MSG is then able to create a lesion in the hypothalamus allowing for abnormal development, including sexual reproduction and obesity.

Why should I avoid MSG?
As little as 1/10th of a tsp can give a severe reaction, and reactions can be dose related: the more you consume the greater chance of the reaction. Some common side effects include the following:

• tachycardia
• heart attacks
• asthma
• headaches
• facial swelling
• swelling in the joints
• marked obesity
• impaired skeletal development
• tightness in the chest
• a burning sensation in the forearms and the back of the neck
• joint pain
• sterility in females
• In laboratory experiments, every species of animal fed MSG developed brain lesions and infant animals were especially susceptible, as they had not developed an effective blood-brain barrier.
• heart arrhythmia

What Products Contain MSG?

Commercial Soup almost always has MSG in some form

MSG is used on poor quality food to enhance flavor. It is found in many dressings and sauces and is added to most infant formulas. Soy formulas, Isolated Soy Protein, and Texturized Vegetable Protein [TVP] in particular are loaded with MSG. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein contains up to 40% MSG. MSG is also found in cheese, ice cream, beverages, medications, frozen meals, cookies and candies, IV materials, “Cream of …” soups and other canned soups, prepackaged “dinner in a box” types, and rice mixes. When eating out, beware of fast food sandwiches, as well as Chinese foods. At some Chinese restaurants, you can ask for “No MSG”.

These ALWAYS contain MSG:
Glutamate, Monosodium glutamate, Monopotassium glutamate, Glutamic acid, Calcium caseinate, Sodium caseinate, Gelatin, Textured protein, Hydrolyzed protein (any protein that is hydrolyzed), Plant protein extract, Yeast extract, Yeast food, Autolyzed yeast, Yeast nutrient

These OFTEN contain MSG/excitotoxins or create MSG during processing:
Flavor(s) & Flavoring(s), Natural flavor(s) & flavoring(s), Natural pork flavoring, Bouillon, Natural beef flavoring, Stock, Natural chicken flavoring, Broth, Malt flavoring, Barley malt, Malt extract, Soy sauce, Soy sauce extract, Soy protein, Soy protein concentrate, Soy protein isolate, Pectin, Whey protein, Whey protein isolate, Whey protein concentrate, anything Protein fortified, anything Fermented

Why can’t we see….
Researcher Hiroshi Ohguro conducted a study on the relationship between MSG consumption and retinal damage. In the study, rats were fed three different diets for six months. The diets consisted of either high or moderate amounts of MSG, or none. The rats on the high-MSG diet experienced thinning of retinal nerve layers, by as much as 75 percent!! Further testing that measured retinal response to light showed they could not see as well. The rats on the moderate diet also experienced retinal damage, although to a lesser extent. The researchers found high concentrations of MSG in the vitreous fluid, which bathes the retina. The MSG is able to bind to receptors on the retinal cells and destroy them, causing secondary reactions that reduce the ability of the remaining cells to relay signals. Why can’t we see that consuming products containing MSG should be avoided?
-A High Dietary Intake of Sodium Glutamate as Flavoring (Ajinomoto) Causes Gross Changes in Retinal Morphology and Function. Experimental EyevResearch, Volume 75, Issue 3, Pages 307-315
-Decision News Media, Eye Damage From MSG Consumption, Oct 25, 2002

Obesity is a common problem for many people in the world today. With so many people and companies focused on dieting and weight loss, it makes one wonder why the problem just keeps getting bigger!! MSG, while just a part of the puzzle, contributes to obesity. Interestingly, many “diet” products contain MSG! Researchers believe that excitotoxin [MSG] induced obesity is not dependent on food intake, which may lend a hand in explaining why people seem to be unable to diet away their obesity.

MSG exposure can cause problems in the long run for those who are exposed to high doses of glutamate early in life. One study found that babies of pregnant mothers that consumed large amounts of excitotoxins are more likely to develop gross obesity and that the risk can become a reality after even a limited exposure. What’s more, MSG is used as a stabilizer in various vaccines in order for the vaccine to remain unchanged, even in the presence of heat, light, acidity, humidity etc. You can access a Medline data base through the National Library of Medicine on the Internet. We encourage you to log on to www.pubmed.gov and search for studies using the key words “obesity AND monosodium glutamate,”. You might find two studies published in 2005 particularly interesting: “Obesity, voracity, and short stature: the impact of glutamate on the regulation of appetite,” and “[Effect of monosodium glutamate given orally on appetite control (a new theory for the obesity epidemic)].”
-News Target, The Link Between Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Obesity, July 9, 2005
-Obesity induced by neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats: an animal model of multiple risk factors. Iwase M, Yamamoto M, Iino K, Ichikawa K, Shinohara N, Yoshinari Fujishima Hypertens Res. 1998 Mar
-Hypothalamic lesion induced by injection of monosodium glutamate in suckling period and subsequent development of obesity. Tanaka K, Shimada M, Nakao K, Kusunoki Exp Neurol. 1978 Oct
- A. Frieder, B, and Grimm, VE. Prenatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment given through the mother’s diet causes behavioral deficits in rat offspring. Intern J Neurosci. 23:117-126,1984.
-PEDIATRICS, Addressing Parents’ Concerns: Do Vaccines Contain Harmful Preservatives, Adjuvants, Additives, or Residuals?, December 2003

At least 25% of the U.S. population reacts to free glutamic acid from food sources. Today, we recognize that those reactions range from mild and transitory to debilitating and life threatening.
There are no substitutions for fresh, quality foods…

1. Read you ingredient labels and don’t buy products that contain artificial or highly processed ingredients.
2. Buy natural, whole foods.
3. Use basic spices like freshly ground salt and pepper, garlic powder and fresh or dried herbs to add a variety of flavors to your meal. Read the ingredient labels on your spices, too!

Originally posted by Dr. Jeffrey Meyers D.C.