condiment
ajinomoto.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeHalalKosherFermented
SERVING
CALORIES
283
PROTEIN
70.8g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories283kcal—
Protein70.8g142%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat0g0%
Saturated fat0g0%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water9.6g—
MINERALS
Sodium12280mg534%
Potassium0mg0%
Calcium0mg0%
Iron0mg0%
Magnesium0mg0%
Phosphorus0mg0%
Zinc0mg0%
Copper0mg0%
Manganese0mg0%
Selenium0µg0%
Iodine0µg0%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A0µg0%
Vitamin C0mg0%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E0mg0%
Vitamin K0µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0mg0%
Riboflavin (B2)0mg0%
Niacin (B3)0mg0%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0mg0%
Vitamin B60mg0%
Biotin (B7)0µg0%
Folate (B9)0µg0%
Vitamin B120µg0%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 tablespoon10g
1 teaspoon3g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Enhances umami flavor, making food more savory and palatable.
- ✓Can help reduce overall sodium intake by up to 40% when used to partially replace salt, without compromising taste.
- ✓Stimulates saliva production, which can aid in digestion and improve taste perception, particularly in the elderly.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Use sparingly; a small amount (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for a family-sized meal) is enough to enhance flavor.
- 2Add during the cooking process, just as you would with salt or other seasonings, to allow it to dissolve and meld with other flavors.
- 3Most effective in savory dishes like soups, broths, stews, stir-fries, and marinades.
- 4Balance with a small amount of salt, as it enhances the perception of saltiness.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture and clumping.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is Ajinomoto safe to eat?
Yes, major health organizations like the FDA and WHO consider Ajinomoto (MSG) safe for consumption. It is a flavor enhancer that provides a savory umami taste and can actually help reduce total sodium intake when used as a partial salt replacement.
What is the nutritional profile of Ajinomoto?
Per 100g, Ajinomoto contains approximately 283 calories and 70.8g of protein, with zero carbohydrates or fats. However, because it is used in very small quantities (usually less than a gram per serving), its caloric and protein contribution to a meal is negligible.
Can Ajinomoto help reduce salt in my diet?
Yes, Ajinomoto contains about two-thirds less sodium than table salt. By replacing a portion of salt with Ajinomoto, you can reduce overall sodium intake by up to 40% while maintaining or even enhancing the savory flavor of the dish.
Is Ajinomoto vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, Ajinomoto is both vegan and gluten-free. It is produced through the fermentation of plant-based starches like sugarcane, corn, or cassava, and does not contain any animal products or wheat derivatives.
Is Ajinomoto keto-friendly?
Yes, Ajinomoto is keto-friendly as it contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. It is an excellent way to add deep, savory flavor to low-carb meals without affecting blood sugar levels or ketosis.
How do you use Ajinomoto in cooking?
Use it like salt to enhance the 'umami' or savory taste of dishes like soups, stir-fries, and marinades. A general rule is to use about half a teaspoon for a dish serving 4-6 people, or roughly 1 part Ajinomoto to 2 parts salt.
What does Ajinomoto taste like?
On its own, Ajinomoto has a mild, salty-savory taste, but it is not meant to be eaten plain. When added to food, it provides 'umami,' a deep, meaty, or broth-like richness that balances and rounds out other flavors.
Does Ajinomoto cause headaches or 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome'?
Scientific studies have failed to find a consistent link between MSG consumption and these symptoms in the general population. While a small percentage of people may have a sensitivity, it is generally recognized as safe for the vast majority of consumers by global health authorities.
How should I store Ajinomoto and how long does it last?
Store Ajinomoto in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent it from clumping due to moisture. It is a very stable ingredient with a long shelf life, often lasting several years without losing its flavor-enhancing properties.
Does Ajinomoto have any benefits for digestion?
Ajinomoto stimulates saliva production and the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach. This can help improve the taste perception of food and aid in the initial stages of digestion, which is particularly helpful for the elderly or those with reduced appetite.
