MSG/Taco Seasoning Recipe

MSG

MSG is sneaky because it doesn't always say "monosodium glutamate" on the ingredients list for foods that contain it.  There are several other names that it goes by, and once you realize this, you will notice that a ton of foods contain it!  And it seems to be particularly common in the foods that I can't stop eating (Pringles, Doritos).  I guess that is why food manufacturers use it so often!

Other Names:

glutamic acid

yeast extract

any hydrolyzed protein

anything hydrolyzed

calcium  or sodium caseinate

autolyzed yeast

gelatin

soy protein, soy protein isolate, or soy protein concentrate

whey protein, whey protein isolate, or whey protein concentrate

There are actually 40 different names for MSG.  This website contains a lot more information, plus the side effects that MSG can cause:

http://www.realfoodwholehealth.com/2011/05/excitotoxins-msg-and-hidden-names/

I love questions, comments, and recipe requests!  Below is the recipe I use for taco seasoning.  It makes enough for several batches and I store it in an airtight container.  The flavor is much better than the store bought kind, and it contains no MSG.

TACO SEASONING with no MSG

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1.  In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container.


Note: I omit the red pepper flakes because it is too spicy for my kids. Also, spices bought in bulk at natural foods stores give it the best flavor instead of the little containers that have been in my pantry for years.