Lawry’s seasoned salt is a popular seasoning blend that is used in many different dishes. It’s made with a variety of ingredients, including salt, sugar, spices, and natural flavors. Some people are concerned and would like to know: Does Lawrys seasoned salt have MSG, which is a flavor enhancer that has been the subject of some controversy.
So, does Lawrys seasoned salt have MSG?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients in Lawry’s seasoned salt and see if there’s any evidence that it contains MSG. We’ll also discuss the safety of MSG and the controversy surrounding it.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether or not Lawrys seasoned salt contains MSG and whether or not you should be concerned about using it.
The Ingredients in Lawrys Seasoned Salt
The ingredients in Lawrys seasoned salt are listed on the label. They include:
- Salt
- Sugar
- Spices (including paprika, turmeric, onion, and garlic)
- Corn starch
- Tricalcium phosphate (to make free-flowing)
- Sunflower oil
- Extractives of paprika & natural flavor
As you can see, there’s no MSG listed on the ingredient label. However, some people believe that MSG can be hidden under the “natural flavors” ingredient.
The Safety Concerns of MSG
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer that’s naturally present in many foods, including tomatoes, cheeses, and mushrooms. It’s also produced commercially and added to some foods.
MSG has been the subject of some controversy, with some people claiming that it can cause adverse reactions, such as headaches, sweating, and flushing. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
In fact, the FDA has concluded that MSG is safe for most people. The agency has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for MSG of 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 150-pound person could safely consume up to 3 grams of MSG per day.
The Controversy Surrounding MSG
Despite the FDA’s conclusion that MSG is safe, some people continue to believe that it can cause adverse reactions.
This belief is likely due to the fact that some people are sensitive to MSG. These people may experience symptoms such as headaches, sweating, and flushing after consuming foods that contain MSG.
However, it’s important to note that sensitivity to MSG is rare. In fact, a study published in the journal “Nutrition Reviews” found that only about 1% of people are sensitive to MSG.
The History of MSG
MSG was first isolated in 1908 by a Japanese chemist named Kikunae Ikeda. Ikeda was studying the flavor of kombu, a type of seaweed that’s used in Japanese cuisine.
He found that kombu contains a substance that enhances the savory flavor of food. He named this substance “monosodium glutamate.”
MSG was first used commercially in Japan in the early 1900s. It wasn’t introduced to the United States until the 1960s.
The Different Ways that MSG Can Be Added to Food
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be added to food in a variety of ways.
- Directly added to food: MSG can be added directly to food as a seasoning. This is often done in Chinese cuisine, as well as in some other Asian cuisines.
- Added as a flavoring agent: MSG can be added to food as a flavoring agent. This is often done in processed foods, such as soups, sauces, and snacks.
- Added during processing: MSG can be added to food during processing. This is often done in canned foods, as well as in some frozen foods.
It’s important to note that MSG isn’t always listed on food labels as “MSG.” It may also be listed under other names, such as:
- Autolyzed yeast extract
- Hydrolyzed protein
- Natural flavors
- Seasoning blend
How to Avoid Having MSG in Your Food?
Here are some tips on how to avoid having MSG in your food:
- Cook at home: The best way to keep MSG out of your food, is to cook the food yourself. The next best thing is to eat at places that only use natural ingredients.
- Read food labels carefully: When you are shopping for food, be sure to read the ingredient labels carefully. Look for foods that do not contain MSG or any of its aliases like autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, natural flavors, and seasoning blend.
- Ask questions: If you’re unsure whether a food contains MSG, be sure to ask the store clerk or the restaurant manager. They should be able to tell you if the food contains MSG or not.
- Avoid processed foods: Fresh foods are by nature free from MSG. contrary to that, processed foods are often prone to containing such additives. If you’re trying to avoid MSG, it is best to avoid processed foods as much as possible.
- Use natural seasonings: There are many natural seasonings that can be used to enhance the flavor of food without MSG. Some examples include herbs, spices, and citrus juices.
- Be aware of your symptoms: If you’re sensitive to MSG, you’ll likely know it. Symptoms of MSG sensitivity can include headaches, sweating, flushing, and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating food, it’s possible that you’re sensitive to MSG.
Home made spice mix contains no MSG.
Quotes from People Who Have Used Lawrys Seasoned Salt
Here are some quotes from people who have used Lawry’s seasoned salt:
- “I’ve never had any problems with Lawrys seasoned salt. I use it all the time and I love the flavor it adds to my food.”
- “I used to use Lawrys seasoned salt all the time, but then I started getting headaches after I ate food that had it in it. I’m not sure if it was the MSG or something else in the seasoning, but I stopped using it after that.”
Recipes That Use Lawrys Seasoned Salt
Here are some recipes that use Lawry’s seasoned salt:
- Roasted chicken: Rub a whole chicken with Lawrys seasoned salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
- Pot roast: Brown a pot roast in a Dutch oven. Add Lawrys seasoned salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Cover with beef broth and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Potato salad: Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with Lawrys seasoned salt, mayonnaise, sour cream, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Conclusion – Does Lawrys Seasoned Salt Have MSG?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Lawry’s seasoned salt contains MSG. However, some people are sensitive to MSG and may experience symptoms such as headaches, sweating, and flushing after consuming foods that contain it.
The safety of MSG is a controversial topic. Some people believe that MSG is safe, while others believe that it can cause adverse reactions. The FDA has concluded that MSG is safe for most people, but it’s important to note that some people are sensitive to it.
If you’re concerned about MSG, you can choose to avoid it. There are many foods that do not contain MSG. And there are also many natural seasonings that can be used to enhance the flavor of food without MSG.
We hope that this article has helped you to make an informed decision about whether or not to use Lawry’s seasoned salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lawry’s Seasoned Salt contain MSG?
No, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt does not contain MSG.
What are the main ingredients in Lawry’s Seasoned Salt?
The main ingredients in Lawry’s Seasoned Salt include salt, sugar, spices (including paprika and turmeric), onion, and garlic.
Is Lawry’s Seasoned Salt gluten-free?
Yes, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt is gluten-free.
Can I use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt on all types of food?
Yes, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt is versatile and can be used on a wide variety of foods including meats, vegetables, soups, and salads.
Is Lawry’s Seasoned Salt suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt does not contain any animal-derived ingredients and is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
How should I store Lawry’s Seasoned Salt?
To maintain its freshness and flavor, it is recommended to store Lawry’s Seasoned Salt in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
Can I use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt as a substitute for regular table salt?
While you can use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt as a flavor enhancer in place of regular table salt, keep in mind that it already contains salt along with other seasonings.
Are there any preservatives in Lawry’s Seasoned Salt?
No, there are no preservatives added to Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. It is made with natural ingredients to provide great taste without artificial additives.
