PF Chang’s is a popular chain of Chinese restaurants found across the United States. With a diverse menu featuring favorites like moo shu pork, Mongolian beef, chicken lettuce wraps, and more, PF Chang’s aims to provide an authentic and high quality dining experience. However, some guests have expressed concern over whether PF Chang’s uses MSG (monosodium glutamate) in their food preparation and cooking. MSG is a common additive used to enhance and improve flavor in Asian cuisine, but it has garnered controversy over potential health effects. This article will examine if and where MSG is found on the PF Chang’s menu.
What is MSG?
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a common food additive used in Asian cooking and commercially prepared foods. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that is naturally found in many foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and more. MSG contains about 12% sodium by weight.
When added to foods, MSG brings out the umami flavor, enhancing and improving the overall taste. Umami is considered one of the five basic tastes, characterized by savoriness and brothy-ness. MSG helps amplify and balance the perception of flavors in the food.
However, MSG has been surrounded by health concerns and controversy since the 1960s when some researchers raised alarms about Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, in which MSG was suggested to cause symptoms like headaches, flushing, and heart palpitations after eating Chinese food. While current research has not conclusively linked MSG to adverse effects in the general population, the additive still has a stigma associated with it.
As a result, many packaged foods and restaurants now advertise that their products are MSG-free or contain no added MSG. Consumers have become sensitive to the potential presence of MSG in their foods.
Does PF Chang’s use MSG?
According to PF Chang’s official website and menu information, they do not add MSG in any of their food preparations or recipes. PF Chang’s states:
“We are proud to say that we do not use added MSG in any of our dishes. So sit back, relax and enjoy your meal!”
They aim to deliver authentic Chinese cuisine without the addition of MSG as a flavor enhancer. PF Chang’s also provides full ingredient information for all menu items online for transparency so guests can see that MSG is not listed.
PF Chang’s MSG-free commitment
In addition to stating that they do not use added MSG, PF Chang’s outlines their commitment to no added MSG on their website:
- Menu items are created without adding MSG during preparation or cooking.
- Ingredients that go into PF Chang’s recipes, like soy sauce, do not contain added MSG.
- PF Chang’s conducts supplier oversight and audits to ensure no MSG gets added to their supply chain.
- Restaurant cooks are trained not to add any MSG while preparing meals.
- PF Chang’s conducts regular testing of menu items to validate no MSG.
PF Chang’s stands behind their promise of no added MSG through oversight, training, and testing. They aim to deliver authentic flavors without flavor enhancers like MSG.
Some PF Chang’s menu items contain naturally occurring MSG
While PF Chang’s does not add MSG to their food, some MSG can still be found naturally in certain ingredients. Glutamate and glutamic acid occur naturally in foods like soy, wheat, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, and more. During the cooking process, some of this natural glutamate can convert into MSG.
According to PF Chang’s, menu items like the Hot and Sour Soup, Dan Dan Noodles, and Sesame Chicken contain naturally occurring MSG from the ingredients used to prepare them. Even in the absence of added MSG, guests who are highly sensitive may still experience reactions to these dishes.
PF Chang’s states that while they do not add MSG, they cannot guarantee a 100% MSG-free dining experience due to natural MSG in ingredients. They encourage guests with MSG concerns or sensitivities to take this into consideration.
Dishes with naturally occurring MSG at PF Chang’s
| Menu Item | Source of Natural MSG |
|---|---|
| Hot and Sour Soup | Soy sauce |
| Chicken Lettuce Wraps | Oyster sauce |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Soy sauce |
| Dan Dan Noodles | Soy sauce |
| Sesame Chicken | Soy sauce |
Tips for avoiding MSG at PF Chang’s
For guests wishing to avoid MSG while dining at PF Chang’s, here are some helpful tips:
Check ingredient lists
Scan ingredient lists online or request them from your server to look for soy sauce, oyster sauce, or other ingredients high in natural glutamates. Avoid menu items containing them.
Request modifications
Ask if menu items can be prepared without soy sauce or other MSG-containing ingredients. The kitchen may be able to accommodate requests.
Avoid sautéed items
Stir-fries and sautéed dishes often contain soy sauce. Opt for steamed, grilled, or poached preparations.
Request sauces/dressings on the side
Get sauces like plum sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and salad dressings on the side so you control how much you use.
Enjoymenu items marked gluten-free
Dishes marked gluten-free like the Mongolian Beef and Szechuan Salmon are typically lower in glutamate content.
The bottom line on MSG at PF Chang’s
To summarize key points:
- PF Chang’s does not add MSG to menu items per their corporate policy.
- However, some dishes contain natural MSG from ingredients like soy sauce.
- Guests sensitive to MSG should check ingredient lists online and make modifications/substitutions.
- Being aware of menu options and preparations lower in natural MSG can help you enjoy PF Chang’s while avoiding reactions.
With knowledge and planning, you can still savor your favorite Chinese classics from PF Chang’s without added or natural MSG. Work with your server to craft a meal aligned with your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while PF Chang’s does not add MSG to their recipes or cooking, their commitment cannot guarantee a 100% MSG-free experience for highly sensitive guests. Some menu items contain naturally occurring MSG from ingredients like soy sauce. By checking ingredient lists online, making modifications, and selecting lower-glutamate menu options, you can still enjoy PF Chang’s authentic flavors without reactions to MSG. With awareness and accommodations from the restaurant, it is possible to dine at PF Chang’s while avoiding added or natural MSG according to your comfort level.