While Moe's states that MSG is not added to their food, certain menu items may still contain naturally occurring MSG.
Understanding MSG in Food
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely recognized flavor enhancer that delivers a savory, umami taste. It exists in two forms:
- Added MSG: This refers to MSG that is directly included as an ingredient during food preparation or processing. Many manufacturers and restaurants choose to explicitly state if MSG is added.
- Naturally Occurring MSG: Glutamate, the "G" in MSG, is an amino acid found naturally in many foods. When glutamate is unbound (not part of a protein chain), it can combine with sodium to form MSG. This means that foods can contain MSG without it being "added" as a separate ingredient.
MSG Content at Moe's
Despite Moe's emphasis on not adding MSG directly to their dishes, it's important to understand that certain ingredients inherently contain monosodium glutamate. Specifically, menu items such as chicken, steak, rice, black beans, enchilada soup, and chili are noted to contain MSG. This indicates that while MSG isn't included as a separate, direct additive, its presence stems from the natural composition of the raw ingredients or processed components used in these dishes.
Common Foods with Naturally Occurring MSG
Many common and healthy foods contain naturally occurring glutamate, which contributes to their savory flavor. When consumed, the body processes naturally occurring MSG and added MSG in the same way.
Here are some examples of foods rich in natural glutamate:
- Dairy Products: Parmesan cheese, Roquefort cheese
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, peas, corn, broccoli
- Meats: Beef, chicken, pork
- Seafood: Fish, shellfish
- Fermented Products: Soy sauce, miso, yeast extract, fermented bean paste
Potential Sources of MSG in Moe's Dishes
Even without direct MSG addition, the ingredients used in various Moe's menu items can inherently contribute to their MSG content:
| Moe's Menu Item | Potential Natural Sources of MSG (if not directly added) |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Meat protein, seasonings, broths, marinades |
| Steak | Meat protein, seasonings, marinades |
| Rice | Seasonings, broths, various added ingredients |
| Black Beans | Legume protein, seasonings, broths |
| Enchilada Soup | Broths, tomato products, cheeses, seasonings, vegetables |
| Chili | Meat protein, tomato products, beans, seasonings |
Understanding the distinction between added and naturally occurring MSG is key when evaluating food content. While Moe's does not directly add MSG as an ingredient, the natural presence of glutamate in many components of its dishes means that MSG is nonetheless present in certain menu items.
