MSG as a Food Additive

The simplest way to impart umami is by adding MSG, which is sometimes marketed as ‘the third spice’, the other two being salt and pepper. In its pure form, it is incorporated in many industrially prepared foods to improve their taste.

Many studies have been undertaken to determine how the tastes of different raw ingredients and dishes are affected by the addition of MSG powder or crystals. These have been inconclusive in a number of cases, with no agreement about the outcomes. Nevertheless, we can outline some common general characteristics.