Extra! Extra! Extract!

I'll start off by saying that I don't want to start writing about my days at work. That being said, at work today, I happened upon a customer with a question about a product. Eyebrows downward and tight, she questioned an ingredient called Autolyzed Yeast Extract.
"I'm not too familiar with that, but I will try to find someone who may be able to answer your question." I should have a recorder in my pocket whenever I am unsure about a product and just move my lips to see if they will notice. By the way, that sentence will be used more in the next 24 days than it will all year.
After speaking with a few of my superiors, I recovered absolutely no information regarding anything pertaining to the woman's query. She agreed the answer was most likely beyond our common "Nutrition Facts" comprehension and continued shopping. Feeling somewhat fooled and inadequate, I searched high and low, near and far, for this mysterious, mythical potion. And, as it seems, it's found in a lot of potato chips, prepared/pre-cooked meals, as well as in some of those just-add-water type sauces. Quick find? Yes. But there was tons of information, even controversy, over this often used ingredient. It turns out that Autolyzed Yeast Extract can be more commonly known as glutamic acid or MSG (monosodium glutamate). You see, when yeast cells die, they begin a process called autolysis where they divide into proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, the flavor enhancer MSG. Most people can tolerate the natural doses of MSG in foods such as tomatoes, algae, and mushrooms but there are many people who are sensitive to this flavor flare when in its processed form. So the next time you are shopping the "all natural way" (nothing having to do with a lack of hygienic products or underwear), please be aware that this taste bud bandit may be lurking on the shelf in your favorite foods.