I have always loved Kashi's products. They make great products using at least seven whole grains in everything. While I have been learning that I enjoy making my own snack foods, I often eat Kashi if I'm on the go and don't have time.
The other day in the cracker aisle, I was looking for a healthy something to snack on at work. I grabbed the Kashi Heart to Heart crackers in Roasted Garlic. Because I have an MSG allergy, I read the ingredients on everything. This being Kashi, though, I almost didn't. I am so glad that I did, because right there in the ingredients was "autolyzed yeast extract."
Autolyzed yeast extract is a food additive used to enhance flavor. While it is not technically MSG, it is basically the same thing arrived at through a different process. It still contains Free Glutamic Acid, which triggers the allergic reaction in many to MSG (including my own allergic reaction). So, for all intents and purposes, it may as well be MSG.
I was infuriated that they had it listed as AYE instead of MSG, the only real reason to do that is to prevent people from saying, "Oh, this has MSG, I'm not getting it." And Kashi is a company that promotes physical health and well being, being conscious of what you're putting in your body.
More than that, these crackers have additives that are good for your heart. Glutamate/MSG, however, can contribute to weight gain, which puts you at risk for high blood pressure / high cholesterol / general heart issues.
Why would a company that is this health-conscious choose to put this unnecessary and unhealthy additive in their food?? Better yet, why would they be so dishonest about it; encouraging people outwardly to make healthy choices but also subtly contributing to health issues.
Now, I don't want to simply bash Kashi in general, because if not for them I would lack many of the on-the-go foods that enable me to stick to my food standards. But regarding this and a few other flavors of their crackers, I am extremely disappointed.
If you feel the same way, go tell Kashi about it!
This post has been a part of Fight Back Friday hosted by Food Renegade. Find more great posts there!
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I have learned that I really can't buy ANY processed foods... period. There is always one or more ingredients that I am unwilling to feed my family. Not to mention the processing methods that usually destroy any nutrient value there was to begin with, and renders any oils or fats rancid.
ReplyDeleteI carve out time in the kitchen to make a huge batch of sourdough crackers every few weeks, and they are awesome! Here is the recipe if you're interested.
http://sarahs-musings.blogspot.com/2008/08/whole-wheat-sourdough-crackers.html
Good luck avoiding MSG!
Jen
I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner! It is looking more and more like that is what I'll need to do (avoid processed foods all together). I'll check out that recipe, thanks for the tip :)
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