What are some foods that contain MSG?

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is usually added to increase the flavor of processed and restaurant food, and is used in frozen dinners, soy sauce, fast food burgers, fried chicken and ranch dressing. MSG is created naturally in the body from mushrooms, grapes, tomatoes and potatoes.

People typically vary in their reactions to MSG, so only those that are extremely sensitive to it should avoid the foods in which it naturally occurs. Many foods contain free glutamate naturally, which creates MSG when combined with free sodium. Though some individuals claim to have a sensitive reaction to MSG, scientific studies indicate that the additive is relatively safe.