Read Your Nutrition Label - Part I

Monosodium glutamate, also known as sodium glutamate and MSG, is a sodium salt of the naturally occurring non-essential amino acid glutamic acid. It is used as a food additive and is commonly marketed as a flavour enhancer.

Although traditional Asian cuisine had often used seaweed extract, which contains high concentrations of glutamic acid, it was not until 1907 that MSG was isolated by Kikunae Ikeda. MSG was subsequently patented by Ajinomoto Corporation of Japan in 1909. 

- Wikipedia, "Monosodium Glutamate" 

MSG is one of the mysterious ingredients in food that I prefer to avoid. It is responsible for the fifth taste - after sweet, sour, salty and bitter - umami, which is best described as a "savory" taste. There is little scientific evidence that MSG causes health problems, but I can't imagine eating large concentrations of any chemical is good for you. Check the nutrition label when buying:

- Taco Seasoning 

- Instant Sauce Mixes

- Dehydrated Broth Cubes 

- Gravy Mixes

- Goya Rice Products, such as the Paella Dinner

- Tofu 

- Salad Dressings

- Infant Formula

There are many other names for MSG, such as Autolyzed Yeast Extract, and truthinlabeling.com has a pretty complete list of all the different names for it. After doing a little research, I think the worst thing about MSG is that it allows manufacturers to use inferior ingredients and still achieve a good taste, and that's just not cool. Please avoid this questionable ingredient.