When you make a tuna salad that doesn’t quite hit the spot, even after changing the mayo and seasonings, adding crunchy vegetables, and a dash of sour pickle juice, you might be missing something. Well, this tip is for you: MSG is the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for to make an umami-packed tuna salad that tastes perfectly savory and satisfying.
That’s what MSG stands for. It’s a type of glutamate that can be found naturally in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, pepperoni, and canned tuna. Commonly stocked in supermarkets, MSG is the same color as table salt but has a flakier, crystalline texture. This flavor booster is often used in Asian cooking, but you can also find it in processed foods like soups, deli meats, chips, and seasoning blends. It does this by making savory (umami) flavors stronger.
Adding a sprinkling of MSG to your tuna salad does two things. Firstly, it brings forth the existing savory notes in the protein, making it taste even richer and meatier. It makes the flavor of tuna flakes fuller and deeper, and it goes well with different spices and vegetables, like sour celery, sweet relish, and mild red onions. Second, a little MSG cuts through the heavy fat in a mayonnaise-based dressing, making it taste lighter and giving your tuna salad a well-balanced mouthfeel. Studies show that this is what makes MSG different from other flavors and helps us feel fuller for longer.
Canned tuna is popular for its convenience, affordability and protein content But many health-conscious consumers have questions about additives found in canned foods, including monosodium glutamate (MSG). So does canned tuna contain MSG? Let’s take a closer look
What is MSG?
MSG is a common flavor enhancer added to many processed foods. Its full name is monosodium glutamate.
MSG consists of sodium combined with glutamate, which is an amino acid naturally found in many foods like tomato, cheese, mushrooms and meat The additive MSG contains higher concentrations of glutamate to enhance the savory umami flavor
Japanese researcher Kikunae Ikeda found MSG for the first time in 1908 while he was studying kombu seaweed. He isolated glutamate as the compound responsible for its savory taste. In the past, MSG was taken from seaweed. Now, it is made by fermenting starches with bacteria.
The FDA considers MSG safe, classifying it as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). However, some individuals report adverse reactions to MSG like headaches or flushing. The additive remains controversial.
Common Uses of MSG
MSG is used to boost flavor in a wide variety of processed foods:
- Frozen meals
- Chips and snacks
- Canned soups
- Salad dressings
- Seasoning mixes
- Fast food
- Pre-packaged meats
It also sometimes appears under alternate names like hydrolyzed protein, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast or glutamate. Reading labels carefully is key to identify MSG.
Does Canned Tuna Contain MSG?
MSG is sometimes added to canned tuna, but not always. Certain brands of canned tuna list MSG in the ingredients, while others do not.
To produce MSG flavors, some tuna manufacturers also use hydrolyzed soy protein or hydrolyzed casein. During hydrolysis, proteins are broken down into amino acids like glutamate.
So while not all canned tuna contains added MSG directly, some may contain ingredients that boost natural glutamate levels. Reading labels closely is the only sure way to know if a product contains MSG.
When shopping for canned tuna, look for MSG-free options specifically advertised. Or choose imported Italian tuna packed in olive oil, which often skips MSG and other additives.
Is MSG Bad for Your Health?
Despite FDA approval, MSG remains controversial and studies conflict on whether it poses health risks. Here’s an overview of debates surrounding this additive:
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Some individuals report reactions like headaches or flushing after consuming MSG, likely due to glutamate. However, multiple studies have failed to conclusively prove causation.
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Animal studies link high doses of MSG with neurological damage, weight gain and kidney/liver issues. But human equivalent doses are difficult to establish.
-MSG has been associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and neurodegeneration. But most population research is limited and correlational.
- Some findings suggest MSG may negatively interact with asthma medication or antibiotics.
So while there are lingering questions, most experts consider moderate MSG intake safe for the general population. However, sensitive individuals should avoid added sources like canned tuna with MSG.
Healthier Ways to Get Umami Flavor
MSG offers convenience by boosting savory umami flavor. But natural ingredients provide safer alternatives:
- Tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Anchovies
- Nutritional yeast
- Parmesan cheese
- Cured meats
- Seaweed
Combining ingredients high in naturally occurring glutamates can achieve an MSG-like effect without additives.
Other Considerations with Canned Tuna
Aside from MSG, mercury exposure is another health concern with tuna. Light canned tuna contains lower mercury levels than white albacore tuna due to differences in size and lifespan.
For pregnant women, children and frequent tuna eaters, the FDA recommends limiting intake of albacore tuna to no more than 6 ounces weekly. Opt for smaller tuna varieties like skipjack more often.
Finally, tuna canned in oil has more calories and fat than tuna canned in water. Rinsing tuna before use can reduce sodium content.
The Takeaway on MSG in Canned Tuna
Not all canned tuna contains added MSG, but reading labels carefully and choosing MSG-free brands is key for those wishing to avoid it. When used in moderation, MSG is likely safe for most people but can cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals.
For the convenience of canned tuna without additives like MSG, look for specialty brands imported from Italy packed simply in oil or water. And combine fresh, natural ingredients to add savory umami flavor to recipes.
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What is MSG, and is it actually bad for you? – Sarah E. Tracy
FAQ
What canned foods contain MSG?
What foods contain high MSG?
How to tell if food has MSG in it?
What does MSG do to the body?
Does canned tuna have a lot of mercury?
Some canned tuna, like albacore, contains more mercury,” Bruning says. “Try looking for skipjack or yellowfin, sometimes packaged as ‘light’ tuna, which contain less mercury.” And look for water-packed tuna, versus the oil-packed type. “Be aware of sodium, too,” Bruning adds.
What are the health benefits of eating tuna fish canned in olive oil?
Tuna in oil is a better option, because when the fish is canned with water, if metals are present, they are deposited in it and, during consumption, they come into contact with the organism. On the other hand, the oil option is ideal, as the oil will be discarded and, along with it, the metals will also be.
Is canned tuna high in sodium?
Overall, canned tuna tends to be higher in sodium than fresh. However, the number of calories and amounts of total fat and saturated fat depend on whether the tuna is packed in oil or water. Nutrient content can vary between brands based on how tuna is packed, so it is best to check the label.
Is canned tuna safe?
The two main concerns when it comes to tuna are mercury content and sustainability. There are also some potential downsides to canned tuna specifically, including fat and sodium content and the safety of the can itself. Mercury is a heavy metal that is often present in fish due to water contamination.