MSG in Meat: All You Need to Know

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a well-known flavor-enhancing ingredient found in many foods including soups, sauces, and broths. In the food industry, it’s also known as E621. Although it brings an umami flavor to a product, some consumers have made the decision to avoid it despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claim that MSG is “generally recognized as safe.” MSG also has a bad reputation since it tends to be found in ultra-processed foods.

Debates regarding health effects have resulted in the need for clear labeling in many countries, including here in the U.S. Although no Jones products contain MSG, here’s what you need to know about MSG in meat, including how to check if a product contains added MSG, so you’re better educated about what you feed yourself and your family.

What is MSG and why is it used in meat products?

MSG is a flavor enhancer that comes from glutamic acid. This is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods. MSG intensifies and enhances umami taste without the need to add excessive amounts of salt or other seasonings.

This makes it especially popular in meat products such as processed meats, sausages, and canned meats to improve overall taste.

Do sausage, ham, and bacon contain MSG?

Glutamate is naturally found in various foods, particularly those high in protein, including sausage, ham, and bacon. However, some meat producers choose to add synthetic MSG as a concentrated enhancer to boost flavor, and this is the additive ingredient that can cause concern among some consumers.

To check if a meat product has added MSG, read the ingredients list.

This is easy to do because MSG must be labeled if added directly to a food product. In fact, it is specifically mandated in the U.S. by FDA regulation. These labeling rules are part of a broader commitment to food safety and transparency, especially for additives that might concern sensitive consumers.

Key terms to look for on labels for MSG.

Understanding the labeling terms for MSG can help you make informed choices about what you buy, and to spot what contains MSG. Some of the common names for ingredients that may contain MSG or glutamate include:

• Monosodium Glutamate: The direct term for MSG
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein: Contains free glutamate
• Yeast Extract or Autolyzed Yeast: Contains natural glutamate

Again, products containing MSG must clearly display it on the ingredients list.

No MSG in any Jones Dairy Farm products, ever.

Whether it’s breakfast sausage, ham, bacon, Canadian bacon, braunschweiger, or meatballs, Jones Dairy Farm products are made from simple ingredients and without additives like MSG. Every bite reflects the Jones family’s dedication to do things the right way. So, the next time you’re looking for breakfast meats that taste as good as they make you feel, remember Jones Dairy Farm. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what’s on your plate — it’s about what’s behind it too.

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