Ve Wong MSG

This cute, palm-sized box of MSG is the perfect size and format for trying this seasoning for the first time or keeping on hand for everyday cooking.

Its retro red-and-gold visage looks as if it were teleported straight from an old school Taiwanese gamadiam, and it was! Ve Wong is one of the most common brands of MSG found in Taiwanese general stores. From stir fries to soups, all you need is a pinch to subtly punch up the savory quality of your dish.

MSG has commonly been thought to be unhealthy, but it occurs naturally in many foods, like tomatoes, parmesan cheese, soy sauce, and shiitake mushrooms. The powdered version is made by fermenting cane molasses and tapioca starch, and is placed into the same safety category as salt and probiotics by the US FDA.

That said, don't use too much — not because it will give you a headache but because it might overpower the more subtle flavors of your dish. Use sparingly as a flavor enhancer to intensify the savoriness or meatiness of your soups and stews, stir-fries, braises, or anything else you’re looking to zhuzh up.

Comes in an easy-to-use plastic bag. To store, simply keep the plastic bag inside the box and clip or tape it closed.

Tasting notes: 100% umami shards