Probably, you have heard of MSG. Besides, you have most likely eaten it in a variety of processed foods and restaurants. A common ingredient in many different cuisines and foods. People may wonder whether it fits in your gluten-free diet, and this article will tell you that MSG is gluten free and safe for coeliac disease. Let's drive in.

What is MSG?

MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. A flavor enhancer from L-glutamic acid, naturally present in many foods, enhances the taste. MSG was first discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Dr. Kikunae Ikeda. To make it easier to use in cooking, he created a stable, crystalline form by combining glutamic acid with sodium—thus, MSG was born!

MSG is an odorless, crystalline, white powder that is commonly used it as a food additive. In the food industry, it is known as E621. It can dissolve into water, separating into free glutamate and sodium. It has the trading name sodium hydrogen glutamate. 

How is MSG made?

The taste of MSG is specifically a taste of umami. The taste is a basic taste alongside sour, sweet, bitter, and salty. Umami also has a meaty flavor which refers to the presence of proteins in the food. 

The production of MSG begins with fermentation. Microorganisms ferment carbohydrate sources such as sugarcane, sugar beet, and molasses to produce this.

Next, Corynebacterium glutamicum bacteria are introduced into the sugar-rich solution. These special bacteria ferment the sugars, converting them into glutamic acid.

Once the fermentation is complete, the glutamic acid is separated from the broth. This is done by adjusting the pH level of the mixture, which causes the glutamic acid to crystallize.

The MSG crystals are dried and processed into fine powder or granules.

What does MSG taste like?

The taste of MSG is specifically a taste of umami. The taste is a basic taste alongside sour, sweet, bitter, and salty. Umami also has a meaty flavor, which refers to the presence of proteins in the food.

Does MSG have gluten?

In the early days of the production of MSG, the manufacturers used to isolate glutamate from wheat gluten. With that, it happened to be a protein source that is extremely high in glutamate.

However, nowadays, glutamate that is used in MSG is produced from fermented sugar beets or molasses. Moreover, it can be produced from component elements such as hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sodium. It arrived gluten-free. Almost certainly, it is not a risk for people who have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Also read: What Does MSG Taste Like

More gluten-free products: Is There Gluten-Free Soy Sauce?

Is MSG unhealthy?

The U.S. “Food and Drug Administration” (FDA) has classified MSG as being safe. Plenty of people have no problem when eating MSG.

You may have heard about the MSG symptom complex. However, subsequent studies have shown there is no conclusive link exists between the syndrome and the consumption of normal levels of MSG. The real culprit is a compound called histamine. Seafood (such as tuna, crab, and scallops), some fruits and vegetables (mango, pineapple, pepper, onion), milk, and eggs all contain high levels of histamine.

So in 1987, the "Food and Agriculture Organization"'(FAO) and the "World Health Organization"(WHO) reassessed monosodium glutamate, believing it to be a safe flavor additive, and announced the cancellation of the restriction on the consumption of monosodium glutamate.

Conclusion 

MSG is certainly gluten-free and entirely safe for Celiacs. At JOLION Foods, you can buy quality gluten-free MSG. The MSG from JOLION is suitable for a variety of cooking ingredients and methods. It is made from carefully selected high-quality raw materials just for you. You can use MSG in many beautiful ways at home. In addition to that, you can use it to enhance the flavor of your dishes, like soups, tomato sauce, dips, stews, fried rice, and dressings. You can order your MSG from JOLION.

Jolion is a professional Chinese sauce powder manufacturer, having certifications like FDA, BRC, HALAL, KOSHER, and HACCP, producing various food products. Jolion Foods provides wholesale OEM services, welcome to get an online free quote today.