Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) vs Natural Flavors — Which Is Worse?

FactorMonosodium Glutamate (MSG)Natural Flavors
E-NumberE621—
CategoryFlavorFlavor
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)Moderate Risk (6/10)
FDA StatusFDA classifies MSG as GRAS. FDA requires MSG to be declared on the label when added as an ingredient. FDA commissioned a…FDA-approved under 21 CFR 101.22. The term 'natural flavor' is one of the most common ingredients on US food labels. FDA…
EFSA StatusEFSA re-evaluated in 2017 and established a group ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight/day for glutamic acid and its salts (E 620…EU regulates flavoring substances under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. The EU maintains a positive list of approved flavo…
Banned In——
Products Found786

Key Differences

Health Concerns Comparison

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Natural Flavors

Which Products Use Each?

7
products contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
86
products contain Natural Flavors

⚖️ The Verdict

Both Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Natural Flavors have the same severity score (6/10). Neither is clearly worse than the other based on current data.

Both ingredients should be consumed mindfully. Use CheckIt AI to scan products and avoid whichever ones concern you most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) or Natural Flavors worse?
Both Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Natural Flavors have the same severity score (6/10). Neither is clearly worse based on available data.
What is the difference between Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Natural Flavors?
Both are flavors. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 7 products. Natural Flavors has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 86 products.
Are Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Natural Flavors banned?
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is not currently banned in any major market. Natural Flavors is not currently banned in any major market.
How can I avoid both Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Natural Flavors?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag both Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Natural Flavors and suggest safer alternatives.
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Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Deep Dive Natural Flavors Deep Dive All 180 Comparisons All Ingredients Ingredients Banned in Europe Scoring Methodology

⚕️ This comparison is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) vs Natural Flavors — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate-vs-natural-flavors
MLA"Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) vs Natural Flavors — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate-vs-natural-flavors.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate-vs-natural-flavors">Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) vs Natural Flavors — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientsmonosodiumglutamatevsnaturalflavors, title = {Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) vs Natural Flavors — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate-vs-natural-flavors}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }