What is the Difference Between MSG and Salt?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚MSG (monosodium glutamate) and salt are both used as flavor enhancers in food, but they have distinct differences:
- Composition: Salt is composed of sodium chloride, while MSG is a compound of sodium and glutamate, an amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods like tomatoes, cheese, and meats.
- Sodium content: MSG contains approximately 12% sodium, which is about one-third the sodium content of table salt, which contains 39% sodium.
- Taste: Salt has a salty taste, while MSG provides an "umami" taste, which is a more complete, savory taste.
- Health: MSG is generally considered safe to consume, and its use can help reduce sodium intake without sacrificing flavor. In contrast, excessive salt intake can lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure.
- Culinary uses: Both MSG and salt can be used in cooking, but MSG is often used in smaller amounts compared to salt. Combining MSG and salt during cooking can enhance flavor and reduce the amount of salt needed, thus lowering sodium levels by 20-40%.
In summary, MSG and salt have different compositions, sodium content, and tastes. MSG can provide a more savory taste with less sodium than salt, making it a useful tool for reducing sodium intake while maintaining flavor in foods.
Comparative Table: MSG vs Salt
MSG (monosodium glutamate) and salt (sodium chloride) are both used to enhance the flavor of food, but they have different chemical compositions, sodium content, and taste profiles. Here is a comparison between the two:
| Property | MSG | Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Sodium glutamate | Sodium chloride |
| Sodium Content | 12% | 40% |
| Taste | Umami (savory) | Salty |
| Uses | Flavor enhancer | Flavor enhancer and preservative |
MSG contains only 12% sodium, which is one-third the amount of sodium found in table salt. Unlike salt, which is compulsory in all savory dishes and many sweet dishes, MSG is optional in savory dishes and not suitable for sweet dishes. MSG has an "umami" taste, which is a more complete, savory taste, while salt has a salty taste. According to the European Food Information Council, combining MSG and salt during cooking could enhance flavor and even lessen the amount of salt, reducing sodium levels by 20-40%.
- Sodium vs Salt
- Salt vs Sodium
- Salt vs Iodized Salt
- Table Salt vs Sea Salt
- Epsom Salt vs Salt
- Garlic Salt vs Garlic Powder
- Normal Salt vs Acid Salt
- Himalayan Salt vs Sea Salt
- Complex Salt vs Double Salt
- Kosher Salt vs Table Salt
- Rock Salt vs Sea Salt
- Acidic Salt vs Basic Salt
- Kosher Salt vs Sea Salt
- Kosher Salt vs Pickling Salt
- Sodium Sulphate vs Sodium Sulphite
- Hydrated Salt vs Anhydrous Salt
- Glauber Salt vs Common Salt
- Soluble vs Insoluble Salts
- Sodium vs Sodium Chloride