Are all “natural flavors” unhealthy? I just read that “natural flavor” is a cover-up for MSG—scary since some of my toddler’s organic-snack packages include this term. Is this always MSG?
Odds are high that “natural flavor” contains MSG, or monosodium glutamate. When flavor is extracted (and this is true for flavors from fruit, veggies and meat), the amino acid glutamic acid in that food is “freed.” Once freed, glutamic acid acts as an excitotoxin that destroys nervous-system cells, triggering symptoms like poor concentration (especially in kids), headaches, mood swings, vision problems and a racing heart.
That said, “natural flavor” can refer to essential oil or spice blends, which may not contain MSG. A clue that natural flavor might be MSG-free: the price. Flavoring food with essential oil or spice is expensive, so these items cost more. My advice: Since even small amounts of MSG consumed regularly can hinder health, try to stick with whole foods or products that don’t list “flavors” on the label. And watch for “yeast extract” and “textured vegetable protein;” which are also code for MSG.
