MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a common flavor enhancer that is found in many foods, especially fast food and takeout options. Some people wonder if popular Mexican chain Qdoba uses MSG in their recipes. This article will examine if Qdoba does indeed use MSG and provide an overview of the ingredient.
Does Qdoba Use MSG?
The short answer is yes, Qdoba does use MSG in some of their food items. However, they do not add MSG to all of their recipes. Qdoba states that they use MSG in their chicken, steak, barbacoa, shredded beef, and Impossible plant-based meat. They add MSG to enhance the savory umami flavor in these proteins.
MSG occurs naturally in ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. When added as a standalone seasoning, MSG comes from fermenting starches like corn, potatoes, or molasses. The FDA considers MSG safe for consumption. Some individuals report mild reactions to large doses like headaches, flushing, or tingling but MSG sensitivity is uncommon.
Why Does Qdoba Use MSG?
Qdoba uses small amounts of MSG to boost the savory, meaty flavors in their proteins. MSG enhances and balances the other flavors of spices, sauce, and seasoning. It provides a more complex, appetizing taste profile. While Qdoba’s food is already full of robust Southwest flavors, a dash of MSG makes their proteins even more crave-worthy.
Which Menu Items Contain MSG?
The Qdoba menu items that contain added MSG include:
- Chicken
- Steak
- Barbacoa
- Shredded Beef
- Impossible Plant-Based Meat
Qdoba adds MSG specifically to enhance the umami flavor in these savory proteins. They do not add MSG to every ingredient or menu item. Other ingredients like rice, beans, salsa, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream do not contain added MSG. The proteins are the only menu items with added MSG.
Is MSG Bad for You?
MSG has long had a stigma attached to it, with claims that MSG-containing Chinese food causes headaches or other symptoms. However, most reputable studies have shown MSG is safe for consumption in normal amounts. Here are some key facts about the safety and effects of MSG:
- MSG occurs naturally in many foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and breast milk.
- The FDA recognizes MSG as GRAS or Generally Recognized as Safe. They set an adequate daily intake level at no more than 3000mg per day.
- High-quality double blind studies show MSG does not cause reactions in most people when consumed in normal amounts. Even people claiming MSG sensitivity often do not have reactions when tested with masked MSG.
- A very small percentage of people may experience mild symptoms like headaches or flushing when consuming large amounts on an empty stomach. But this reaction is rare.
- Consuming moderate amounts of MSG added to foods is unlikely to cause any reactions. Amounts up to 6600mg did not produce effects in one study.
- The glutamate in MSG is chemically identical to the glutamate in foods like meat, cheese, and mushrooms. The body metabolizes it identically.
- MSG contains much less sodium than table salt. The sodium levels in MSG average 12% by weight while table salt is 39% sodium.
Based on extensive research, MSG is considered a safe ingredient for most people when used in moderation for flavoring. Adverse reactions only occur in rare cases of large overconsumption. The small amounts of MSG Qdoba uses in their proteins are very unlikely to cause any negative effects in most diners.
MSG Controversy and Misconceptions
MSG has faced significant controversy after a 1968 letter in the New England Journal of Medicine described Chinese restaurant syndrome with symptoms including numbness, heart palpitations, and dizziness after eating Chinese food. However, those symptoms are now believed to be anecdotal without scientific evidence. Here are some common MSG misconceptions:
- Myth: MSG is toxic or dangerous. Fact: Many studies confirm MSG is safe even at higher doses than a typical meal.
- Myth: MSG causes headaches. Fact: Double blind studies show MSG does not trigger headaches in most people.
- Myth: MSG sensitivity is common. Fact: While a small percentage may have reactions, MSG sensitivity is quite rare when tested scientifically.
- Myth: MSG is artificial while glutamates in food are natural. Fact: The human body cannot distinguish between glutamate from MSG or foods.
While some people still view MSG negatively, well-conducted research shows it has a strong safety profile for flavoring foods.
Typical MSG Consumption
To put Qdoba’s MSG usage into context, here are some estimates for typical MSG consumption:
| Food Item | Typical MSG Level |
|---|---|
| Qdoba protein serving | About 320mg MSG |
| 1 cup tomato juice | About 200mg natural MSG |
| 4 oz Parmesan cheese | About 1200mg natural MSG |
| Chinese takeout meal | About 500-2000mg added MSG |
| Beef or chicken broth | 30-120mg per cup |
As you can see from the levels above, a typical serving of Qdoba with added MSG provides less glutamate than many common foods. Even a meal with heavy addition of MSG is well below unsafe limits for most people.
Should You Be Concerned About MSG at Qdoba?
Given the research showing the safety of MSG, there is minimal cause for concern regarding Qdoba’s use in their recipes. Here is a summary of why Qdoba’s MSG use should not worry most diners:
- The MSG is added in small quantities just to enhance umami flavor, not make up the bulk of taste.
- All menu items do not contain MSG, just select proteins.
- Other ingredients like spices, sauces, beans, rice, etc are MSG-free.
- Their MSG usage is well below unsafe amounts of 3000mg+ per serving.
- Natural glutamate levels in food often exceed added MSG.
- Multiple studies confirm the safety of MSG for the general population.
- Even self-proclaimed MSG-sensitive individuals rarely react when tested in blind trials.
Considering these facts, Qdoba’s use of MSG simply for flavor enhancement does not realistically pose any health threat for typical customers eating standard portion sizes. Their proteins contain less added glutamate than many common foods.
How Qdoba Stacks Up to Other Chains
Many other popular restaurants also include MSG in their ingredients:
| Restaurant | Uses MSG? |
|---|---|
| Qdoba | Yes, in proteins |
| Chipotle | No added MSG |
| Subway | Yes, in meats, tuna |
| KFC | Yes, in fried chicken |
| Chick-fil-A | No added MSG |
| Taco Bell | Yes, in meats |
While Subway, KFC, and Taco Bell also add MSG, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A avoid using MSG in their food prep. So if you are concerned about MSG intake from fast food, those two chains would be the best options. But for most people, MSG use in moderation is not a worry for health.
Should You Avoid Qdoba if You Don’t Want MSG?
For people who wish to avoid MSG, it is easy to customize your Qdoba order to leave it out:
- Choose rice, beans, veggies, salsa, etc and omit the proteins
- Order vegetarian or Impossible meat since they are MSG-free
- Request no seasoning on the meat if you do order proteins
- Specify no added MSG if ordering a dish like nachos
- Avoid pre-mixed items like tacos, burritos, or bowls with standard proteins
With customization, it is simple to avoid additional MSG by steering clear of the flavored meats. You can still enjoy Qdoba’s many other delicious flavors without getting added glutamates.
Tips for Ordering at Qdoba Without MSG
When purchasing food at Qdoba, keep these tips in mind to avoid MSG:
- Choose fillings like rice, beans, veggie mix, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, etc.
- Opt for sofritas or Impossible meat-free proteins since they are MSG-free.
- Order flour or corn tortillas instead of tacos or burritos.
- Ask for meat or chicken without seasoning to avoid MSG.
- Enjoy sides like chips and guacamole, queso, or Mexican gumbo soup.
- Choose bottled beverages, as fountain drinks may contain MSG.
- Request any meal without MSG seasoning blends.
Following these guidelines makes it easy to eat at Qdoba without ingesting added MSG by customizing your meal. Their menu offers lots of delicious options with all natural glutamate only.
Conclusion
Qdoba does incorporate MSG into some menu items, particularly their proteins, to enhance the umami savory flavor. However, they use small, safe amounts that are well below levels shown to cause adverse effects. Customers can also easily avoid MSG by ordering modified meals without seasoned meats. With flexible options to customize your meal and research confirming that MSG is safe for most people, Qdoba’s use in moderation provides great flavor without significant health risks.