Although the US Food and Drug Administration classifies the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate, or MSG, a "generally recognized as safe" food ingredient, MSG use presents some controversy, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Reports state MSG causes chest pain, numbness, flushing and sweating in some individuals, but no study conclusively shows these effects, according to Medline Plus. If you negatively react to MSG, avoid it; but hundreds of foods contain MSG, making avoidance challenging. Reading ingredient lists can help limit your intake.
Sausage
Packaged sausage often contains MSG, according to MSGTruth. For example, Jimmy Dean's original pork sausage and maple flavored sausage both contain MSG. MSG can also be called hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, autolyzed yeast and yeast extract on the ingredient food list.
Commercially bottled gravy may contain MSG. If concerned about MSG in your gravy, try making your own.
MSG is made through a fermentation process, usually with molasses or a starch hydrolyzate. MSG elicits a taste known as umami, according to the website Chemical and Engineering News. Umami is best described as savory, like foods high in protein such as meat and cheese. Umami makes up the fifth element of the basic senses of taste that includes sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Umami has only recently been added to the basic senses of taste after discovery of the l-glutamate taste receptor in 2000.
Salty Snack Chips
Many savory snacks contain MSG, including Doritos, Cheetos and other cheese-flavored snack foods. If you are looking for a MSG-free snack food, Frito Lay brand Sun Chips are MSG free, according to the Frito Lay website.
Soups
Many commercial soups use MSG as a flavor enhancer. Read food labels to limit your intake. To avoid MSG you can make soup at home with MSG-free broth, fresh vegetables, noodles and cooked meat.
Luncheon Meats
Many brands of luncheon meats also use MSG as a flavor enhancer. Try using fresh meats on your sandwiches or look for MSG free brands. Boar's Head brand offers a natural line of MSG-free luncheon meats that includes turkey, roast beef and ham.
Chicken Products
Chicken products such as chicken nuggets, chicken tenders and chicken sausage, may also be a source of MSG. Avoid these foods when dining out if concerned with MSG. Instead, choose foods made from fresh ingredients and request MSG not be added to your meal.
Sauces
Many sauces, especially Asian inspired, contain MSG, including soy sauce, fish sauce, curry sauce and teriyaki sauce.
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