What does msg taste like?

Question

It's used in many chinese dishes but does it actually have a taste in itself? If not, why is it so popular in chinese cuisine?

Answer 1

It does not have a taste but it enhances the flavor of other items in the dish and makes them more tasty. Scientifically I don't believe they have found anything in MSG for people to be allergic to but some people are adversely affected after consuming it. I think it may something else in the dish as there is MSG in TONS of prepared, pre-packaged food items. Tons!!

Answer 2

What Does Msg Taste Like

Answer 3

MSG has no real taste itself. I learned this one the hard way as a kid when I tasted it straight from the Adolph's Meat Tenderizer bottle. YECH! It is a flavor enhancer.

Why is it popular in Chinese cuisine? It used to be before it was vilianized by the FDA. Most of the Chinese restaurants and packaged foods that I see proudly proclaim "NO MSG." For more information, check out the link below.

Answer 4

Yes it is a flavor enhancer, and on its own has a slightly salty flavor. Some people do react badly to it, though most chinese restaurants don't use it anymore. Since it is a salt, try this experiment to see how it reacts: take three glasses, and fill with 1 cup water each. In the first, disolve 1 tsp table salt. In the next, disolve 1 tsp MSG. in the third, disolve 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. MSG. Now taste. The first two should both just taste salty, but the third has a weird metalic taste...bizarre...

Answer 5

Yes it does have a taste. When it is missing from the food you can tell. It takes some of the flavor away when it is missing. I think it gives off a sweet taste. That is why MSG is popular. However it is bad for everyone, I think it adds fat. Next time you order chinese food you can request NO MSG. You have to request that in order for them not to put it in. Once it is removed the food is a little healthier.

Answer 6

MSG is mono sodium glutamate. Table salt is Sodium Chloride. "Fake" salt for people with high blood pressure is usually Potassium Chloride.

That being said, I've never tasted MSG straight out of the container but I would guess it's salt-like. When you add it to food, however, it adds a mild salty plus a rich savory taste. As another poster said, it is also used as a preservative.

Answer 7

Its not the chemical composition for salt. Salt is sodium chloride (NaCl). MSG is Mono sodium Glutomate. The objective of MSG it that it makes you feel hungry, so you eat more. It doesn't have a taste.

Answer 8

I dont that you can taste MSG but the affects that MSG can have on your body but alot of places no have signs hanging that say no MSG

Answer 9

Monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer.
This food additive commonly known as MSG or Vetsin, is a sodium salt of glutamic acid. ^_^

Answer 10

msg is just the chemical term for salt.