It's true that MSG content in e.g. aged parmesan is high... but it's not so low in e.g. cheddar and people tend to use a lot more of that.
Also mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. especially dried.
Mainly staying away from too much processed foods helps, but MSG content isnt' the main problem with them, it's a combination of flavoring agents + very high calorie density.
True, the cheddar I'd use to get in Ireland was very different than the yellow plastic-wrapped slices you get in the supermarket, or the gooey slabs at McDonald's.
It was more crumbly and a darker orange colour. Also much stronger taste.
They had it in the supermarket but it was not the wrapped-slice stuff but sold in bricks.
I'm surprised they're allowed call that stuff Cheddar actually.
Sometimes I'm not hungry at all but I take a small bowl of potato chips with a movie. Then after that I get a real craving for MORE. And I end up eating the whole bag. It's weird. I don't have it before I start.
Maybe other more natural snacks would be better yes but they are just so nice.
Also mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. especially dried.
Mainly staying away from too much processed foods helps, but MSG content isnt' the main problem with them, it's a combination of flavoring agents + very high calorie density.