When deciding whether to order from McDonald’s, it may be important to know whether MSG is present in the food. This food additive may be a cause of concern for some people, so it’s good to be informed.
McDonald’s has a wide variety of food options on its menu. For those who are concerned about the possible use of MSG, keep reading for helpful information about this issue!
Key Takeaways
Does McDonald’s Use MSG In 2022?
Most menu items at McDonald’s do not contain MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) as of 2022. However, according to the ingredients list on McDonald’s website, McDonald’s crispy chicken sandwiches do contain MSG. This common food additive is used to add flavor to many chicken sandwiches at various fast-food restaurants, including McDonald’s.
For more details about MSG in McDonald’s sandwiches, which items do not contain MSG, and more, keep reading!
Do McDonald’s Burgers Have MSG?
No, McDonald’s does not add monosodium glutamate to its cheeseburger menu items. On McDonald’s website, it gives the assurance that it makes burgers with no additives.
With that, the fact that McDonald’s cheeseburgers don’t have additives is reassuring for those with sensitivity to MSG.
Additionally, burgers from McDonald’s are prepared with simple ingredients, and all of the ingredients are listed on its online menu.
Do McDonald’s Fries Contain MSG?
According to the lengthy ingredients list, McDonald’s french fries do not contain added monosodium glutamate.
However, it has been noted that the combination of some of the french fries’ ingredients which are hydrolyzed, actually produces MSG.
Do McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Contain MSG?
There is some controversy on the answer to this question. For example, there’ve been reports that McDonald’s chicken nuggets contain autolyzed yeast with MSG.
But on McDonald’s menu, it simply says “yeast” is the ingredients, not MSG.
Since MSG is not listed as an actual ingredient, it’s safe to assume that there’s not an overwhelming amount of MSG present in the nuggets.
But, if you’re dealing with sensitivity to MSG, it may be best to avoid them.
At this time, it appears that Mcdonald’s does not plan to add additional items that contain MSG.
In the meantime, customers concerned about consuming MSG for health reasons may want to stick to the burger options at McDonald’s.
What Is MSG?
MSG stands for Monosodium Glutamate and is an additive that’s commonly associated with Asian cuisine.
With that, MSG is a food additive made through fermentation and imparts a rich, salty-like flavor to foods.
The process of creating MSG starts with glucose. Essentially, microbes are introduced, and they eat glucose.
Finally, the end product is glutamic acid which is then broken down further to create MSG.
Is MSG The Same As Salt?
MSG and salt are two separate products, and they serve different purposes. For example, salt enhances the flavors of most foods and is indispensable in the kitchen.
On the other hand, MSG is more of a processed product that gives a unique flavor.
However, some confusion usually arises because of the word sodium, which appears in both products.
But, the actual name for table salt is sodium chloride, whereas MSG stands for monosodium glutamate.
Why Are People Concerned About MSG In Food?
Since MSG is a flavor-adding ingredient, some might be confused why it is a cause for concern. After all, it sounds like a good thing since it adds to the taste of many dishes.
Some people try to avoid MSG because, in some instances, it has been linked to food sensitivity issues.
Although food sensitivity is different from food allergies, it can still be concerning for some people.
For example, if you develop symptoms such as a headache, sweating, nausea, among other symptoms after eating foods with MSG, it is safer to avoid it altogether.
To find out more, you can also read our posts on where does McDonald’s gets their meat, if McDonald’s cheese is real, and if McDonald’s fries are gluten-free.
Conclusion
The controversial additive known as MSG is indeed present in some food offerings from McDonald’s.
For example, these items include the crispy chicken sandwich, the chicken nuggets, and even fries in a small amount.
Additionally, McDonald’s provides full ingredient lists for all food products for more specific inquiries about menu items.