Evito il glutammato monosodico.

I avoid monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Pronunciation

gloo-tam-MAH-to mo-no-SOH-dee-ko — two long words. Take them separately: glutammato / monosodico.

When to use it

Use in restaurants where processed or Asian-influenced dishes may contain MSG. Traditional Italian cooking rarely uses MSG, which is more common in Chinese-Italian restaurants.

What it means

MSG (glutammato monosodico) is a flavor enhancer. Traditional Italian cuisine relies on natural umami from Parmigiano, tomatoes, anchovies, and slow-cooked meats — which are naturally rich in glutamate without adding MSG.

Variations

Usate esaltatori di sapidità?

Do you use flavor enhancers?

Broader question covering MSG and similar additives.

Il cibo è fatto senza additivi?

Is the food made without additives?

Even broader check for all additives.

Ingredienti naturali solo, per favore.

Natural ingredients only, please.

Simple positive framing.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Evito il glutammato monosodico. Usate additivi nei vostri piatti? Cameriere: No, cuciniamo con ingredienti freschi e naturali. Niente additivi artificiali. Cliente: Ottimo. Allora sono tranquillo. Cameriere: Anche il brodo è fatto in casa con ossi e verdure.

Client: I avoid MSG. Do you use additives in your dishes? Waiter: No, we cook with fresh natural ingredients. No artificial additives. Client: Excellent. Then I'm at ease. Waiter: Even the broth is homemade with bones and vegetables.

Cultural Note

Traditional Italian restaurants (trattorie, osterie) typically cook from scratch with fresh ingredients, making MSG a non-issue. The Italian concept of 'cucina casalinga' (home cooking) inherently avoids industrial additives. Budget tourist restaurants are more likely to use processed ingredients.

← Previous

Preferisco senza caffeina.

Preferisco prodotti biologici.

← All phrases: Dietary Restrictions