Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Food Label Detective: Maggi Vegetarian Bouillon

This flavour enhancer has no real nutritional value other than it has a high sodium content, not surprising since the first ingredient is salt, the third ingredient is MSG and the twelfth ingredient is disodium inosinate, hence the reason 1 cube  contains 900 mg of sodium. 

For persons on a sodium restricted diet, this product is not suitable. The product is also not suitable for persons who do not consume fish, for whatever reason. Sodium Inosinate is derived from either dried fish or tapioca, neither source is listed. However, the allergy statement makes up for this non-specificity.

Spices is listed as an ingredient but the types of spices used were not listed. Hence it may not be suitable for persons allergic to certain spices.

The Controversial Ingredients includes:
  •  MSG (MonoSodium Glutamate) 
  • Partially Hydrogenated Oil (take note of the manufacturer's added footnote**)
  • Disodium Inosinate 
Bottom-line:Using  one whole cube or half of one cube still contributes to a good deal of sodium. Adding table salt and/or soy sauce along with this product makes for a sodium 'bomb'.
One can simply swap this product for a lower sodium and MSG-free alternative, use with caution on an infrequent basis or creatively try to make your own flavour enhancer using a number of herb and spice combos.



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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was so disappointed to learn that Maggi bouillon and seasonings contain MSG. I found that out just recently. Now, I am more alert and read food labels.

The HealthNut Corner said...

That is great news, it's never too late to adopt the habit of reading food labels and paying attention to the ingredient listing and nutrition facts panel.