Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Free
DC-106
Section 1: Allergy & Intolerances
Compendium Definition
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Note:
Read label to make sure.
Avoid any food that lists “MSG” or monosodium glutamate on the food label.
Hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP), hydrolysed plant protein (HPP) hydrolyzed soy protein (HSP) or autolyzed yeast extracts on a product label indicates the presence of MSG. The hydrolysis (breaking down) of a protein releases glutamate and therefore the hydrolysis product (HVP: HPP: HSP) will contain MSG or glutamate.
Seasoning mixtures, prepared, processed, and canned foods may contain MSG as a flavour-enhancing additive.
Individuals may be sensitive to foods that are naturally high sources of free glutamates (tomatoes, tomato juice, grapes, grape juice, other fruit juices, parmesan cheese, Roquefort cheese and mushrooms).
Caution: xxxx
Vegetables
Allowed
- all fresh, frozen and canned vegetables and their juice (except those listed under ‘Foods Not Allowed’
NOT allowed:
- canned vegetables and juices if containing MSG* (see Notes)
- commercially prepared vegetables with sauce or flavouring
- mushrooms
- tomatoes, tomato juice
- frozen vegetables if ingredients indicate MSG
Fruit
Allowed
- all pure fresh, frozen and canned fruit and their juice (except those listed in ‘Foods Not Allowed’)
NOT allowed:
- flavoured fruit dishes
- fruit drinks and cocktails
- grapes, grape juice
Salads
Allowed
- all salads (except those listed under ‘Foods Not Allowed’)
NOT allowed:
- salads containing ingredients containing MSG*
- salads containing tomatoes or mushrooms
Grain Products
Allowed
- homemade baked goods, cereals, pasta dishes with allowed ingredients
- plain grains, flours
- bread, buns (except sourdough)
- pita, pizza
- breakfast cereals without flavouring such as- Corn Flakes®, oats and oatmeal, plain Cream of Wheat, puffed rice and wheat, Shredded Wheat®, Shredded Wheat cereal, Shreddies
- plain crackers without flavouring
- plain pasta, rice, baked potatoes
NOT allowed:
- sourdough bread and buns
- canned, frozen, dried commercial pasta dishes
- flavoured crackers, pasta, bread, baking mixes, croutons, stuffing, meat coating mix
- coloured and flavoured cereals
- flavoured oatmeal and hot cereal
Milk & Alternatives
Allowed
- plain milk, buttermilk, cream
- plain cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, sour cream
- plain yogurt
NOT allowed:
- flavoured milk*
- flavoured and smoked cheese, cheese slices, cheese foods*
- parmesan cheese, Roquefort cheese
- flavoured yogurt*
Meat & Alternatives
Allowed
- unprocessed, fresh or frozen meat, poultry, fish
- fish canned in water or oil with or without added salt
- homemade sausages*
- MSG-free processed meats
- plain eggs
- plain legumes
- natural peanut butter
- plain nuts and seeds
NOT allowed:
- canned meat, poultry, fish except in water, oil &/or salt
- cured and smoked meats, processed meats with spices, seasonings*
- eggs, legumes, nuts prepared with foods or ingredients not allowed
Soups
Allowed
- homemade meat, poultry, vegetable soups with allowed ingredients
NOT allowed:
- commercial, dried, bouillon soup bases
Oils & Fats
Allowed
- plain salted or unsalted butter, cream
- gravy (homemade) made with allowed ingredients
- homemade salad dressing
- lard, meat drippings, shortening
- pure vegetable oils
NOT allowed:
- seasoned butters
- commercial dips spreads
- commercially prepared salad dressing
- prepared gravies made with MSG
- all others prepared with foods not allowed
Desserts & Sweets
Allowed
- pure vanilla ice cream, sherbet
- homemade desserts, with allowed ingredients
- pure jams, jellies, corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, molasses, cocoa
NOT allowed:
- ice cream except pure vanilla
- artificial flavoured or coloured sweeteners, jams, jellies, icing, candies, drink mixes, cake decorations
Fluids
Allowed
- coffee, tea, herbal tea
- club soda, mineral water, fruit juice, homemade orangeade, limeade and lemonade
NOT allowed:
- wine, beer, alcohol (does not contain MSG, but alcoholic beverages increase rate and severity of onset of symptoms, if taken at same time as foods with MSG)
- grape juice
- tomato juice
Miscellaneous
Allowed
- fresh, frozen, dried herbs or spices
- salt and pepper
- mustard from mustard powder
- pure soy sauce without MSG
- Tabasco sauce®
- distilled plain white vinegar
- plain artificial sweeteners
NOT allowed:
- herb or spice mixes and seasoning packages
- most relishes and condiments
- soy sauce containing MSG
References:
Dietitians of Canada – Practice Based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN), “Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Restricted Diet”, 2012
Government of Canada – Health Canada, “Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Questions and Answers”, 2008