Does OXO contain MSG?

Yes, certain OXO products, specifically their Chicken Stock Cubes, do contain monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Monosodium Glutamate in OXO Chicken Stock Cubes

The ingredient list for OXO Chicken Stock Cubes explicitly states the presence of "Flavour Enhancer (monosodium Glutamate)." This confirms that MSG is an active component in these particular stock cubes, used to enhance their savory profile.

What is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in many foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and meat. It is widely used as a food additive to enhance the savory taste, also known as "umami." Umami is one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, and it contributes to a rich, full-bodied flavor perception in dishes.

Why is MSG Added to Stock Cubes?

MSG, along with other flavor enhancers like yeast extract (also listed in the OXO Chicken Stock Cube ingredients), is added to food products for several reasons:

• Flavor Enhancement: It significantly boosts and balances the existing savory notes in the stock, making it taste more robust, complex, and appealing.
• Umami Profile: MSG directly contributes the "umami" taste, which rounds out the flavor profile, giving the stock a satisfying, hearty, and meaty quality even with minimal actual meat content.
• Palatability: By enhancing the overall flavor, MSG makes dishes more palatable and enjoyable, encouraging a deeper sensory experience.
• Ingredient Harmonization: It helps to meld and balance the various flavors from different ingredients within the cube, creating a more cohesive taste.

Below is a breakdown of relevant flavor-enhancing ingredients found in OXO Chicken Stock Cubes:

Both monosodium glutamate and yeast extract serve to intensify the savory characteristics of the stock, ensuring a consistent and strong flavor profile when used in cooking.