Olive Garden is a popular Italian-American restaurant chain known for its hearty portions and unlimited breadsticks. But over the years, some customers have questioned whether Olive Garden uses MSG (monosodium glutamate) in their food to enhance the flavor. MSG is a common flavor enhancer that can cause reactions in some people. So does Olive Garden actually use MSG in their dishes? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
What is MSG?
MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an abundant amino acid found naturally in foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms and seaweed. MSG contains about 12% sodium by weight, so it’s much lower in sodium than regular table salt.
MSG brings out the flavor in food. It’s been used for over 100 years to enhance the savory, umami taste of various dishes. Umami is considered the fifth basic taste, joining sweet, salty, sour and bitter. MSG accentuates this savory flavor.
Some people claim to experience headaches, flushing, sweating, numbness/tingling and other symptoms after eating MSG. This condition has been nicknamed “Chinese restaurant syndrome” since MSG is common in Chinese food. However, multiple studies have failed to conclusively link MSG consumption with these adverse effects in the general population.
Today, MSG remains popular in restaurant cooking and pre-packaged foods. It’s also frequently used in fast food, chips, seasonings, soups and sauces.
Does Olive Garden Use MSG?
Olive Garden states they do not add MSG to their dishes. However, glutamates occur naturally in ingredients like tomatoes, parmesan cheese, mushrooms and meats used in their recipes.
When glutamic acid is bound to a protein in foods, it’s known as “bound glutamate.” During cooking, some of this can break down into free glutamate, including MSG.
So while Olive Garden doesn’t directly add MSG, some may be present from natural sources. Additionally, they acknowledge there could be trace amounts from additives used in their ingredients.
It’s difficult to completely avoid glutamate in restaurant or homemade foods. Glutamate and MSG are present to some degree in most savory dishes.
Olive Garden Ingredients That May Contain Glutamates
Here are some common ingredients in Olive Garden meals that naturally contain glutamates:
– Parmesan cheese: Aged cheeses like parmesan contain high levels of glutamate formed during ripening. Olive Garden adds parmesan to many pasta dishes, salads, soups and entrées.
– Tomatoes: Fresh and canned tomatoes and tomato products like sauce and sun-dried tomatoes are all high in glutamates.
– Mushrooms: Varieties like portobello, white button and baby bellas have natural glutamates. Mushrooms are on pizzas, pastas and other meals.
– Meats: Chicken, beef and pork contain glutamic acid that converts to glutamate during cooking. This includes dishes like chicken parmigiana, lasagna and meat sauces.
– Worcestershire sauce: Used in marinades and dressings, Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, molasses and tamarind, all high in glutamates.
– Soybean oil: Olive Garden uses soybean oil for frying and making salad dressings and sauces. Soybeans have natural glutamates.
– Broth: Chicken, beef and vegetable broths have free glutamates from the meat and vegetables used. Broths flavor risottos, soups and sauces.
So while MSG isn’t added, glutamate already exists in key ingredients at Olive Garden. Some menu items likely contain higher levels than others based on their ingredients.
Does Olive Garden Food Taste Like MSG Was Added?
Some customers firmly insist Olive Garden food tastes like extra MSG was added. They report getting headaches or migraines after eating meals there.
On the other hand, many people dine at Olive Garden without any issues. They don’t notice any “artificial” or “chemical” taste.
It’s possible individuals reacting to Olive Garden’s food have an above-average sensitivity to glutamates. The levels of natural glutamates from tomato sauce, parmesan and other ingredients may be enough to cause problems in sensitive individuals.
Or some people may incorrectly blame MSG when another component of the meal actually caused their symptoms.
Either way, the glutamate content at Olive Garden is unlikely to bother most people. But it may be safest for those highly sensitive to avoid dishes with lots of tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms and broths if they notice issues.
How Olive Garden Cooks Without Adding MSG
Olive Garden relies on simple, fresh ingredients and skilled chefs to flavor their food instead of adding MSG. Here are some of the techniques they use:
– Quality ingredients: Olive Garden starts with high-quality ingredients naturally rich in flavor like vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, imported cheeses and beef/chicken raised without hormones or antibiotics.
– Layering flavors: Dishes incorporate layers of savory flavors. For example, lasagna combines ricotta, meat sauce, pasta, mozzarella and parmesan. Each component builds flavor.
– Herbs and spices: Olive Garden uses Italian herb blends, garlic, black pepper and spices like oregano and parsley to add interest without MSG.
– Slow simmering: Long cooking concentrates flavors in sauces, soups and stews. For instance, pasta sauce simmers all day to develop richness.
– High-heat grilling/searing: Grilling steaks, chicken and seafood over very high heat gives caramelization and roasted flavors. Pan searing also enhances flavor.
– Fresh preparation: Olive Garden makes sauces, soups, dressings and more daily from scratch using quality ingredients, without shortcuts like MSG.
So while Olive Garden’s menu isn’t lacking in flavor, MSG isn’t their “secret ingredient.” Skilled kitchen staff and fresher ingredients deliver plenty of taste without flavor enhancers.
Olive Garden Dishes Likely to Be High or Low in Natural Glutamates
Some Olive Garden dishes likely contain more naturally occurring glutamate than others, based on their ingredients:
Higher glutamate dishes:
– Eggplant parmigiana: Breaded eggplant with marinara sauce and parmesan
– Shrimp Alfredo: Fettuccine with Alfredo sauce made of butter, cream and parmesan
– Lasagna classico: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan
– Chicken parmigiana: Chicken breast coated in marinara sauce, parmesan and mozzarella
– Chicken gnocchi soup: Chicken, gnocchi and vegetables in chicken broth
Lower glutamate dishes:
– Herb-grilled salmon: Grilled salmon seasoned with olive oil and Italian herbs
– Grilled chicken margherita: Chicken breast topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil
– Chicken scaloppine: Sautéed chicken with artichokes, mushrooms and lemon sauce
– Beef and tortelloni: Tortelloni pasta and slow-cooked beef in a light tomato broth
– Garden fresh salad with chicken: Mixed greens, chicken, veggies and Italian dressing
Dishes with lots of tomato, cheese and broth likely contain more naturally occurring glutamates. Those focused on grilled or sautéed meats, olive oil and lighter sauces tend to be lower.
However, even lower glutamate dishes aren’t completely devoid of glutamates. Glutamic acid exists to some extent in virtually all proteins. But the concentration may be low enough not to be an issue for sensitive individuals.
Tips for Ordering at Olive Garden With a Glutamate Sensitivity
Here are some suggestions for ordering lower glutamate dishes at Olive Garden:
– Opt for grilled or sautéed chicken, fish or steak instead of breaded and fried dishes or items cooked in tomato sauce or broth.
– Request meat and fish dishes be prepared simply seasoned with olive oil, herbs and spices instead of creamy sauces.
– Order salad dressings and sauces on the side so you can use a minimal amount.
– Request pasta with oil or pesto instead of tomato sauce, alfredo sauce or meat sauce, which are higher in glutamates.
– Choose vegetable sides like steamed broccoli without cheese to limit glutamate sources.
– Look for roasted vegetables without vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or cheese, which boost glutamates.
– Enjoy soups lower in glutamates like minestrone over broth-based soups. Avoid adding parmesan cheese.
– Order pizzas with olive oil or pesto instead of tomato sauce and limit high-glutamate toppings like pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms. Get light cheese.
– Ask about ingredients and preparation techniques for menu items not listed to identify lower glutamate choices.
With simple modifications, those sensitive can still enjoy delicious Italian food at Olive Garden. Being aware of preparation methods and ingredients high in natural glutamates makes it easier to order accordingly.
Should You Avoid Olive Garden if You’re Sensitive to Glutamates?
Olive Garden serves classic Italian dishes focused on tomatoes, cheese, and complex sauces – all high in natural glutamates. While they don’t add MSG, there’s still plenty occurring naturally.
If you have a mild glutamate sensitivity, Olive Garden is likely fine in moderation. Stick to lower glutamate dishes and minimal sauce/cheese.
But for those with severe reactions to glutamates, it may be wise to avoid Olive Garden. Even menu items lower in glutamates could have enough to trigger symptoms in highly sensitive individuals.
You know your body best. If you notice headaches, flushing or other reactions after eating at Olive Garden, it may be a sign their level of natural glutamates doesn’t agree with you.
Other Italian restaurants with simpler menus and preparation styles lower in glutamates may be easier to enjoy. But overall, being aware of your sensitivity and ingredients that affect you makes dining out easier.
Bottom Line
Here’s the bottom line on MSG use at Olive Garden:
– Olive Garden insists they don’t directly add MSG to dishes. However, glutamates occur naturally in many menu ingredients.
– Dishes with lots of tomato, cheese, broth and soybean oil likely contain higher levels of glutamate. Grilled meats and lighter sauces tend to be lower.
– Olive Garden relies on quality ingredients and scratch preparation to deliver flavor instead of MSG. But natural glutamates are still present.
– Those highly sensitive may still react to the natural glutamate levels in Olive Garden food. People less sensitive are unlikely to notice any issues.
– If you do have a reaction, choose simpler grilled items, limit tomatoes/cheese/sauce, and use the strategies above to order lower glutamate dishes.
While it contains no added MSG, Olive Garden’s ingredient lists mean there’s still a decent amount of natural glutamate present. Being aware of this allows sensitive individuals to make informed choices. But most people can continue enjoying Olive Garden’s classic Italian fare with no issues.
