This article will discuss whether Funyuns have MSG. You will also find this snack food’s ingredients and learn how to determine if packaged food has MSG. Let’s get into the information!
MSG In Funyuns
The ingredients in Funyuns are listed below. You will notice an ingredient called Monosodium Glutamate. This ingredient is what we commonly refer to as MSG. So yes, Funyuns have MSG.
Ingredients: Enriched Corn Meal (Corn Meal, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil (Sunflower, Corn And/or Canola Oil), And Less Than 2% Of The Following: Salt, Corn Starch, Sugar, Corn Flour, Buttermilk Powder, Maltodextrin (Made From Corn), Onion Powder, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavors (Including Natural Onion Flavor), And Gum Arabic.
Why Is There MSG In Funyuns?
MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in many foods. Its flavor is described as meaty and savory.
While Funyuns have MSG, plenty of other Frito Lay products do not include this ingredient. If you want to avoid MSG, Frito Lay lists its products without this ingredient on its website.
Keep in mind that manufacturers are required to list “Monosodium Glutamine” as an ingredient if the product contains MSG. You can always review the ingredients on the label of any product to confirm if MSG is present.
Is MSG Harmful?
In the late 1960s, Dr. Robert Ho Man Kwok claimed he got sick from eating Chinese food from an American restaurant. He cited MSG as one of the possible culprits of his symptoms. His reported symptoms were numbness and palpitations.
This began the debate over whether MSG was safe for human consumption. Soon after the doctor’s claim, several flawed studies were conducted which linked MSG to health problems. However, there is currently no clear evidence that indicates any adverse health issues from MSG that would warrant the FDA to remove it from foods.
The above being said, there may be some people who are reportedly sensitive to MSG. Symptoms that are reported are often mild and include headache, flushing, stomach ache, sweating, numbness, chest pain, and more (source). Of course, stop eating products that have MSG (like Funyuns) if you think it may be causing health problems, and seek professional medical help/advice if needed.
Sources:
fritolay.com
Zeratsky, K. (2022, April 20). How does your body react to MSG? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196
