Does Taco Bell Use MSG? (Sauces, Meat, Seasoning + More)

Have you ever wondered whether Taco Bell uses MSG to enhance its food flavors? Is there any harm in using MSG as an active ingredient in its menu?

If so, this article will shed more light on Taco Bell’s secret behind its tasty foods. Continue reading to find out!

Does Taco Bell Use MSG In [currentyear]?

Taco Bell uses MSG (Monosodium glutamate) in specific food items on its menu- the fast-food chain restaurant uses MSG on items such as Doritos, tacos, salsa, and shredded chicken in [currentyear]. However, the chain claims that it only utilizes USDA-inspected and 100 percent premium beef that does not have MSG ingredients.

That said, read on to know more about how Taco Bell uses MSG and which items contain it, along with other related facts!

Does Taco Bell Use MSG in Meat?

There have been reports that Taco Bell uses MSG (Monosodium glutamate) in its meat.

However, Taco Bell claims that its meat products, particularly beef, do not contain MSG, a flavor enhancer.

The fast-food restaurant assures its consumers that its beef is 100 percent natural beef USDA-Inspected.

Taco Bell further adds that it uses consumer-friendly ingredients in its meat, such as Maltodextrin, Torula Yeast, and Soy Lecithin.

According to Taco Bell, most of these ingredients are spices and thickeners that pose no harm.

Does Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce Have MSG?

Taco Bell’s sauce does not have MSG. The fast-food restaurant assures its consumers that its ingredients consist of only thickeners and spices that enhance flavor.

Taco Bell’s Chipotle sauce has the following ingredients:

  • Soybean Oil
  • Water
  • Whey
  • Vinegar
  • Buttermilk
  • Eggs
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Garlic
  • Chipotle Chile Pepper
  • Onions
  • Citric Acid

Which Taco Bell Food Contains MSG?

The following is a list of items in Taco Bell reported to contain MSG:

  • Sauce, Red
  • Beef, Seasoned
  • Chilli
  • Rice, Express
  • Rice, Seasoned
  • Chicken, Spicy Shredded
  • Salsa, Citrus
  • Sauce, Fire
  • Sauce, Pepper Jack
  • Sauce, Green Tomatillo
  • Steak, Carne Asada
  • Dressing Avocado Ranch

Does Taco Bell Fries Contain MSG?

Does Taco Bell Fries Contain MSG?

Taco Bell’s fries do not contain MSG. The following is a list of ingredients used in Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries:

  • Natural Flavors
  • Aged Cayenne
  • Dipotassium Phosphate
  • Vinegar
  • Cornstarch Sugar
  • Paprika Extract
  • Garlic
  • Enriched Flour
  • Potassium Citrate
  • Vegetable Oil

What Fast Food Restaurants Use MSG?

Franchises such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Chick-fil-A use MSG to enhance their food flavors.

The Chicken Sandwich in Chick-fil-A and Kentucky fried Chicken are examples of foods that contain MSG. Others like McDonald’s do not use MSG in their food items.

KFC uses MSG in chicken to enhance its taste and flavor- note that it uses MSG in more food items than other fast-food restaurants.

As for Burger King, the product is available in selected food items.

Does Taco Bell Taco Seasoning Have MSG?

Taco Bell’s Taco seasoning contains MSG. Its Taco seasoning is one of its highly processed foods- it also contains natural herbs and spices that add to its flavors.

Is Taco Bell MSG Harmful?

Generally, MSG (Monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer considered to be a safe ingredient by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

However, its use in restaurants is a debate. Thus, the FDA requires its presence to be labeled on food items.

Some people may have certain reactions to foods that contain MSG, such as:

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • General body weakness
  • Numbness

However, researchers have no clear proof of how MSG may cause such symptoms.

These symptoms may be short-term or mild and, in most cases, do not require medical treatment as they fade on their own.

How Can You Tell If Taco Bell Food Has MSG in It?

All food manufacturers, including Taco Bell, must declare when they add MSG to their food.

They can do this either by name or use the specific additive code number on the ingredient list of their foods. For example, they can identify MSG as a “Flavor enhancer (MSG)”.

Does Taco Bell Burrito Contain MSG?

The chain restaurant does not use MSG on its burritos. Taco Bell claims that it uses 100 percent pure meat that does not contain monosodium glutamate.

To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Taco Bell has breakfast, does Taco Bell use real meat, and does Taco Bell use horse meat.

Conclusion

Taco Bell uses MSG on specific food items- the most common are shredded chicken, Doritos, and tacos. However, note that MSG is not considered harmful by the US FDA.

Nevertheless, some people are likely to have various reactions to consuming foods with MSG. Some of the common reactions are nausea, diarrhea, and general body weakness. In most cases, these symptoms naturally go away.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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