FOOD NEWS
Does Olive Garden Utilize MSG In Any Of Its Dishes?
By Kalea Martin
Despite the FDA verifying that MSG is safe for consumption and scientists debunking its adverse effects, it still retains a somewhat negative reputation.
Some major restaurant chains use MSG as a flavor enhancer, but Olive Garden has confirmed that neither its recipes nor any products from outside suppliers contain MSG.
Although Olive Garden does not add MSG to its food, it does use ingredients that are high in glutamic acid — an amino acid chemically identical to MSG.
The difference between the two lies in the fact that MSG is artificially produced through fermentation, whereas glutamic acid exists naturally and doesn't need to be synthesized.
Both glutamic acid and MSG impart a deep savoriness, commonly referred to as umami. However, MSG is typically added to foods that lack natural glutamic acid.