Chex Mix is known for being generously seasoned and seasoning is notorious for having MSG. However, does Chex Mix have added MSG? Please read on to find out the answer!
Chex Mix & MSG
By reviewing its ingredients, you can determine if a manufacturer adds MSG to a product. The ingredients will reflect that it contains “Monosodium Glutamate” if it has MSG. Monosodium Glutamate is the unabbreviated name for MSG.
After a review of the ingredients, we found that some Chex Mix snacks have added MSG while others do not. The table below clarifies which products have added MSG and which do not have it.
| Chex Mix Flavor | Added MSG (Yes or No)? |
|---|---|
| Traditional | No |
| Bold | Yes |
| Cheddar | No |
| Honey BBQ | No |
| Sour Cream & Onion | No |
| Turtle | No |
| Honey Nut | No |
| White Cheddar | Yes |
| Max’d Buffalo Ranch | No |
| Max’d Spicy Dill | No |
| Muddy Buddies Brownie Supreme | No |
| Muddy Buddies Cookies & Cream | No |
| Muddy Buddies Mint Chocolate | No |
| Muddy Buddies Peanut Butter & Chocolate | No |
Natural MSG & Chex Mix
Be aware that MSG is found naturally in some foods. When a food product contains natural MSG, the FDA does not require manufacturers to list Monosodium Glutamate in the ingredients. So, a product may have natural MSG without the packaging indicating it contains it.
It is similar to how the ingredients for a coffee beverage, for example, do not have to list caffeine because caffeine is naturally occurring in coffee. However, if you look at the ingredients in a soda like regular Coke or Pepsi, caffeine will appear in the ingredients because it is added to the beverage.
MSG is naturally found in common foods like parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, soy sauce, tomatoes, scallops, and many other foods. While the table above reflects that most products have no added MSG, these products may have natural MSG from ingredients like yeast extract, cheddar cheese, and soy sauce.
In short, you shouldn’t assume a product doesn’t have MSG if the ingredients reflect no Monosodium Glutamate in the ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to list natural MSG.
SEE ALSO>>>Chex Mix Traditional versus Bold
Why is MSG in Chex Mix?
MSG is a flavor enhancer used in many foods to produce an umami flavor. Unami is described as having a savory and/or meaty taste. It is believed to be the fifth taste in addition to salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. Some Chex Mix products contain MSG for the purpose of flavor.
Is MSG Safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies MSG as “generally recognized as safe”. Countless people consume added and naturally occurring MSG on a daily basis without issue. Furthermore, man-made MSG has been used since the early 1900s.
The above being said, there are possible health concerns with consuming MSG referred to as MSG symptom complex. A small number of people reportedly experience symptoms such as headaches, numbness, nausea, mouth swelling, and flushing after consuming MSG. However, research has yet to establish a link between MSG and reported sensitivities and allergies related to MSG.
You should consider avoiding foods with MSG if you believe they are causing you health issues. Of course, address any concerns with a qualified health professional if needed.
Sources:
chexmix.com
Hewings-Martin, Y. (n.d.). MSG: More than just a food additive. Medical News Today. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318589
