As someone with an intolerance for MSG, it never fails to amaze me what you might find MSG in. In my head there is a running list of what I can and cannot have to eat. Every time I go out to a friend’s, go to a party, or go out to eat I have to ask “Does this have MSG in it?”. If I risk it and the food does have MSG, 2-3 hours later – BAM! I have a raging headache and am usually nauseous.
Here are some of the more common culprits:
- Canned/dry soup
- Chicken/beef broth
- Doritos and other flavored potato chips
- Stuffing
- Seasoning/spice mixes
- Chinese food
- KFC
- Gravy
- Mixed nuts
- Lunch meat
- Salad dressing
Often I wonder why food manufacturers feel it necessary to put MSG into foods in the first place. But in looking at the chemical properties of MSG, the word “addictive” explains it all.
But what is a girl to do when the craving for a Doritos or some yummy BBQ chips hits?
For several of my more favorite foods that have MSG, I have found alternatives. Many are from the Organic section at the grocery store or you could try your local food co-op or health food store. Here is a listing of some of my favorites:
- Doritos Natural white cheddar flavor http://www.fritolay.com/fl/flstore/cgi-bin/products_natural.htm
- Mad House Munchies BBQ, French Onion and Sea Salted kettle chips – YUMMY!! http://www.madhousemunchies.com/
- Fantastic Foods makes great soups http://www.fantasticfoods.com/index.php
- Any organic broth or stock will not have MSG and has the benefit of having much less sodium than even the low sodium regular varieties
- Stuffing is now made entirely from scratch as most of the varieties I have found have MSG in them
- Hannaford’s (our local grocery store) has a line of all natural foods – Hannaford’s Inspirations http://www.hannaford.com
- Hannaford’s Inspirations deli meat and McKenzie turkey breast are all MSG free http://www.kayem.com/brands/mckenzie/default.asp
- I use either organic salad dressing or I make my own. All of the regular Ranch salad dressings I have found in either a mix or bottled have MSG in them.
Please let me know of some of your favorites. I am always looking for new MSG-free foods to try!
