MSG: The Truth, the Myths & the Umami

MSG has been a bit of a misunderstood ingredient in modern cooking, and we reckon it’s time to clear the air!

First things first—at Pepper & Me, we respect everyone’s food choices. What you choose to use in your cooking is entirely up to you, and we believe in giving you the flexibility to make those choices with confidence. That’s why we keep most of our range MSG-free, offering plenty of options for those who prefer to avoid it.

At the moment, there are four products in our lineup that contain MSG: Blow My Coals, Fry-Yay, On Yaaa Onion Dip Mix and Rash'nz.

So, What’s the Deal with MSG?

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is simply the sodium salt of glutamic acid—one of the most abundant naturally occurring amino acids. It’s been one of the most researched food ingredients for over 40 years, with hundreds of international studies examining its effects. And guess what? There’s no conclusive evidence linking MSG to asthma or ‘Chinese Restaurant Syndrome’—a term that unfairly targeted Chinese cuisine while ignoring MSG’s use in Western processed foods.

MSG is Already in Your Favourite Foods

MSG occurs naturally in heaps of delicious foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and meat. In fact, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) states that your body treats MSG the same way it processes glutamate from natural foods—whether it’s in a ripe tomato, a chunk of parmesan, or a pinch of seasoning. Glutamate is glutamate, no matter the source.

MSG vs. Salt – A Surprising Swap!

Here’s a fun fact: MSG contains about one-third the sodium of table salt (13% vs. 40%) and is typically used in much smaller amounts. So, if you’re watching your sodium intake but aren’t sensitive to tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, or meat, MSG can actually be a fantastic salt alternative!

Why Has MSG Been Demonised?

Sadly, a lot of old, inaccurate research gave MSG a bad rap, fueling unnecessary fear—especially in Western households. And let’s be real: MSG wasn’t a “Chinese food” problem—it was American food manufacturers adding it to ultra-processed snacks to make them more addictive. Meanwhile, traditional Asian cuisine has been unfairly dragged into the conversation. We think that's not very cool.

At the end of the day, MSG is just another way to add a delicious umami boost to your food—no fear required! It’s been unfairly dragged through the mud for decades, but the science is clear: MSG is no more mysterious than the natural glutamate in your favourite foods.

At Pepper & Me, we’re all about flavour—big, bold, and beautiful. Whether it’s with or without MSG, our seasonings are crafted to bring the most out of your meals, making cooking easier and more delicious. Think of MSG as just another tool in your flavour toolkit, designed to enhance your cooking and elevate your dishes. So go on, give it a sprinkle, and let’s get those taste buds dancing!

If you’re keen to add MSG to your flavour toolkit and use it wherever you like, you can grab some directly from us here.

Check out our interview with Seven Sharp on the topic of MSG