What Exactly is MSG – and Why We Don’t Use It

The basics
MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It’s a salt made from the amino acid glutamate – something your body already knows and that’s found naturally in meat, tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms.

So what’s the problem? Packaged MSG is a cheap flavour enhancer. It makes food taste good even when the food itself is poor in quality.

How MSG is used

• Food companies add it to soup powders, instant noodles, chips, and meat fillers.
• It tricks your brain into thinking the food is rich and tasty.
• In reality, you’re eating more starch, flour, or fillers – and less real food.

Natural vs. artificial
Natural glutamate in liver, meat, or vegetables comes with minerals like zinc, copper, and iron – all in balance.
MSG on its own is just a salt: you get the taste, but none of the nutrition.

What research says

• Small amounts of MSG aren’t directly toxic.
• Some people get headaches or flushing if they consume a lot on an empty stomach.
• The bigger danger? It makes you eat more low-quality food, because it hides what’s really inside.

Why Vleisland doesn’t use it
We believe meat and spices should speak for themselves.
Our recipes are clean, honest, and traditional – the way your grandparents knew them.
No MSG. No fillers. No hidden tricks.

Pure spices. Honest taste. No fake enhancers.