Yes, you can add MSG (monosodium glutamate) to chocolate if you wish. However, it’s important to note that MSG is a flavor enhancer that can enhance the umami taste in savory dishes, and it may not have the same effect in chocolate. Additionally, some people may have adverse reactions to MSG, such as headaches or nausea, so it’s important to consider your audience before adding it to your recipe. If you do decide to add MSG to your chocolate, it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Before you start saying that you have adverse reactions to MSG…….. Remember that the concept of “Chinese food syndrome” is widely considered to be racist and offensive. The term was coined in the 1960s and 1970s when Chinese cuisine was becoming more popular in the United States, and some people reported experiencing symptoms such as headaches, sweating, and flushing after eating Chinese food. It was falsely attributed to MSG, a flavor enhancer that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and many other types of food.
While some people may have adverse reactions to MSG, the symptoms associated with “Chinese food syndrome” have been largely exaggerated and used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Chinese people and their food. In reality, MSG is a safe and widely used food additive that is approved by many regulatory agencies, including the FDA in the United States.
It’s important to be mindful of the language we use and the stereotypes we perpetuate, and to avoid harmful and offensive terms like “Chinese food syndrome.”
There is no evidence to suggest that MSG and chocolate is a new frontier in the food industry. While MSG is a common flavor enhancer used in savory dishes, it is not commonly used in chocolate. But maybe it should be— similar to the way salt is! Additionally, the flavor profile of chocolate is typically sweet rather than umami, which is the taste that MSG enhances.
That being said, food innovation is always evolving, and new flavor combinations and techniques are constantly being explored. It is possible that someone may develop a new recipe or product that incorporates both MSG and chocolate in a unique and appealing way. However, as of now, MSG and chocolate is not a widely recognized or popular flavor combination. I however plan to start experimenting!
