MSG-Equivalent Analyzer: An Interactive Calculator for Predicting Naturally Occurring MSG Content in Culinary Spice Formulations
FAREED, AYESHA
Abstract
MSG-Equivalent Analyzer is a browser-based interactive calculator that predicts the total naturally occurring MSG-equivalent (free glutamic acid) content of a recipe from its ingredient composition. It was developed to support a research study quantifying naturally occurring glutamate across 39 culinary spices and seasoning ingredients commonly used in South Asian recipe formulations, and their contribution to total recipe glutamate content relative to intentionally added MSG. Given a recipe's ingredient list and quantities, the tool calculates the naturally occurring MSG-equivalent contribution of each ingredient and the total for the recipe, without requiring further laboratory analysis. It is self-contained (a single HTML file, no installation or internet connection required) and runs entirely in the browser. To use: download the HTML file and open it in any web browser, no installation required. This tool is intended for use in food quality control, product formulation, and food labelling accuracy assessment, particularly for evaluating "No MSG Added" label claims against total measurable glutamate content. This tool provides a screening-level estimate based on published titrimetric data; it is not a substitute for laboratory analysis or a regulatory compliance determination. Related research: Naturally Occurring Monosodium Glutamate in Culinary Spices: Quantification, Recipe-Level Assessment, and Development of a Predictive Calculation Tool. This tool accompanies a manuscript currently in preparation; the DOI/citation will be updated here upon publication.