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Tyson Foods Is Planning to Remove This Ingredient from Some of Its Most Popular Products

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/19 .. ient-from-some-of-its-most-popular-products.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 7:08 GMT by People
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Tyson Foods Takes a “Clean‑Label” Step: Removing a Common Ingredient From Its Most‑Sought‑After Brands

In a move that signals a shift toward simpler ingredient lists, Tyson Foods announced that it will eliminate a widely used additive from several of its top‑selling products. According to a People.com report released on October 10, the poultry, beef, pork, and prepared‑foods giant will phase out monosodium glutamate (MSG)—a flavor enhancer that has long been a staple in processed meats—from its most popular brands, including Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Tyson Deli Meats, and Tyson Ready‑to‑Eat Meals. The change is part of Tyson’s broader “clean‑label” initiative, which aims to reduce artificial ingredients and provide clearer, more natural product choices for consumers.

Why MSG?

MSG has been the subject of debate for decades. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) consider it safe for general consumption, some consumers claim sensitivity to the additive, reporting symptoms such as headaches, flushing, and tingling. “There’s a real consumer push for cleaner, more transparent labeling,” said Tyson’s Vice President of Product Innovation, Ellen Martinez. “By removing MSG, we’re addressing a growing segment of shoppers who are wary of artificial flavor enhancers.”

The People.com article notes that MSG has historically been used in a variety of Tyson products to enhance savory notes and improve taste perception. Removing it could potentially alter the flavor profile of items like chicken nuggets, but Tyson claims the change will be carefully managed to preserve product quality. “Our scientists are working on alternative natural flavor systems that will provide the same mouthfeel and savory depth without the need for MSG,” Martinez added.

The Rollout Timeline

Tyson has set a phased schedule to eliminate MSG from its product lines. The first wave—targeting the 12 most‑sold items—will begin in Q3 2024, with the full transition complete by Q1 2025. During the transition period, the company will label affected products with a clear “No MSG Added” statement. Tyson also plans to release updated packaging and product specifications on its website and through its social‑media channels to keep consumers informed.

The People.com story highlighted that the company’s removal decision is not limited to MSG alone. Tyson also plans to reduce the use of high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and other artificial sweeteners in a subset of its prepared meals. “We’re looking at a comprehensive approach—removing artificial flavorings, sweeteners, and even certain colorings over the next few years,” Martinez said.

Market Context and Competitor Moves

Tyson’s decision comes amid a broader industry trend toward “clean labels.” Major competitors like Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and Nestlé have already begun removing MSG and other additives from selected product lines. The People.com article links to a Bloomberg piece that chronicles how food companies are reconfiguring ingredient lists in response to rising consumer scrutiny and the “health halo” associated with natural foods.

The “clean‑label” trend is driven by a mix of consumer psychology and research. Studies indicate that shoppers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products that are perceived as healthier or less processed. Tyson’s CEO, Robert T. Lee, cited internal market research that showed a 15% uptick in sales for “all‑natural” product lines in 2023, prompting the company to accelerate its reformulation efforts.

Consumer Reactions

Early responses from consumers have been largely positive, especially among those who have avoided MSG in the past. A tweet from @CleanLabelAdvocate praised Tyson for its transparency: “Great to see a big name in the industry actually taking a step toward real ingredients. #CleanLabel #NoMSG.” Meanwhile, some food‑industry insiders warn that the removal of MSG could affect the taste profile of iconic products, potentially prompting backlash from loyal customers. Tyson has addressed this concern by pledging that the company will use natural flavor systems to replicate the savory taste of MSG.

Industry Impact

The move to remove MSG is expected to have ripple effects throughout the supply chain. Tyson’s supply contracts with poultry farms, pork processors, and seasoning suppliers will need to adjust to the new ingredient mix. The People.com article links to a feature on the cost implications for Tyson’s suppliers, noting that the transition could result in a modest increase in raw‑material costs—estimated at 3–5% for the next fiscal year—but that Tyson plans to offset these costs through economies of scale and a streamlined ingredient sourcing strategy.

Looking Ahead

Beyond MSG, Tyson is already testing other natural flavor enhancers, such as rosemary extract and sea salt blends, in pilot batches of its prepared foods. The company’s broader strategy includes a commitment to zero added sugars in its chicken products, a 30% reduction in sodium across all ready‑to‑eat items by 2028, and a goal to replace 70% of its artificial additives with plant‑based alternatives.

“We’re in a pivotal moment for the food industry,” Lee told the Food & Beverage Journal. “Consumers want to know exactly what’s in their meals, and they’re demanding healthier, cleaner options. Our ingredient removals are just the first step—we’re also investing in better nutrition, sustainability, and packaging innovation.”

Bottom Line

Tyson Foods’ announcement to remove monosodium glutamate from several of its most popular brands marks a significant milestone in the company’s clean‑label strategy. By tackling a long‑standing additive head‑on, Tyson is aligning itself with consumer preferences for transparency and natural ingredients while setting a precedent for other food manufacturers. The company’s careful rollout plan, commitment to flavor preservation, and willingness to re‑engineer its product lines underscore a broader industry pivot toward healthier, cleaner eating choices—an evolution that is poised to shape the future of processed foods in the United States and beyond.