Monosodium Glutamate or MSG is an ingredient used to enhance the taste of foods. MSG can be used as a food additive. From fast food to canned soups, it is found in a number of processed products today. Studies have shown that MSG enhances the taste of foods by stimulating taste receptors, and it has been shown to be effective in increasing the acceptance of certain flavors. As a result of adding MSG to foods, an umami flavor is produced, which is characterized as savory and meaty in flavor. A variety of processed meat products such as hot dogs, lunch meats, beef jerky, sausages, smoked meats, pepperoni, and meat snack sticks may contain MSG. MSG is used in meat products such as sausage in order to reduce the sodium content without altering the taste. In addition to improving taste, MSG is used to reduce salt content in meat products.