Here’s how glutamate, MSG and umami seasoning are actually the same yummy thing.
So many divisive and emotional exchanges dominate the food conversations of today. MSG is no stranger to the controversy. And while science clearly shows that MSG and glutamate, the component responsible for the much desired umami flavor, are the same, too often in the public dialogue we see umami = good; MSG = bad. But a deeper dive into the components behind umami seasoning and MSG reveals that the body does not differentiate between the glutamate element found naturally in foods and that found in MSG.
How are MSG and umami seasoning so commonly and intricately entwined? It starts with glutamic acid, one of 20 amino acids found in abundance in the human body, as well as in plants. In humans, glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid in that the body is capable of producing its own glutamic acid and not dependent upon getting it from food. But don’t let the term “non-essential” lead you astray — it means that our bodies can make their own glutamate from other protein sources if necessary. Glutamic acid is vital for metabolism and brain function. Our bodies need it in order to function.
When glutamic acid loses hydrogen in the body, it becomes glutamate. Little difference exists between the behaviors of glutamic acid and glutamate. With regard to function in the body, think of glutamate and glutamic acid as completely equivalent.
Glutamate is Responsible for the Umami Taste
Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid, and a flavor enhancer that makes many foods so delicious. It is found in all foods that contain protein. The natural flavor-enhancing levels of glutamate in food vary greatly, but are high in common foods such as cheese, milk, mushrooms, meat, fish, and many vegetables. It is important to note that that there are two forms of glutamate found in foods: bound (linked to other amino acids in protein) and free. Only free glutamate is effective in enhancing the flavor of food.
Glutamate in Foods and in Umami Seasoning (MSG) is the Same
MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid and becomes sodium glutamate. Our bodies recognize it identically to free glutamate in food. Foods such as beef, tomatoes, aged cheeses and soy sauce contain the same glutamate that is in MSG. The glutamate in foods and MSG are the same.
As an ingredient that adds umami taste to food, MSG has been long used and is common all over Asia and to a smaller extent in the West, in different sauces and preparations. It dissolves easily and does not overpower other flavors, which makes it a good food ingredient.
While some people have deliberately stayed away from adding MSG to their foods, they may not recognize that many of their favored sauces and condiments used to enhance flavor are rich in glutamate — the same as found in MSG. Glutamate-rich MSG as an “umami seasoning” truly delivers the sought after umami taste in the same way as other glutamate-rich condiments.
We consume between 10g and 20g of glutamate per day from our diet, of which glutamate from seasoning or condiments is less than 10%. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration notes that a typical serving of a food with added MSG contains less than 0.5 grams of MSG.
Throughout the world, a variety of glutamate-rich condiments enhance umami taste.
- Garum, a fermented fish sauce, was an essential and valuable condiment in ancient Rome, and is enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia.
- The English Worcestershire sauce is a ferment of anchovies, sugar, spices and vinegar. Fermentation enhances the umami effect.
- Thai Golden Mountain sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce and dashi are all rich in glutamate and help form the basis of traditional Asian cuisine.
- Sazón, popular throughout Latin America and the islands of the Caribbean, is a seasoned salt with MSG, garlic, cumin and annatto.
- Marmite in the United Kingdom is made from yeast extract and has a savory umami taste due to its natural glutamate content.
- Kewpie mayonnaise, in Japan, is flavored with MSG and vinegar.
- Maggi Sauce is popular in Asian countries but was developed in Switzerland. It is primarily salt and hydrolyzed vegetable protein and used as a substitute for meat flavoring.
- Ketchup of course, with its concentration of tomatoes, delivers both glutamate and great umami taste.
When we take a look at MSG on American supermarket shelves, we can also find it under other names: hydrolyzed proteins, yeast extracts, autolyzed yeast, protein concentrates and other ingredients that, according to nutritionists and USDA, are essentially the same thing: processed glutamate that is responsible for umami flavor.
In Japanese “umami” has been variously translated to mean “yummy,” “delicious,” or “savory.” And there you have it:
Umami = Yummy! and MSG (aka umami seasoning) = Yummy!
