Down to taste buds I think. I don't like anything manufactured if I can help it. So understand that things may affect people differently. I'm sure there will people along to explain the intracies but I feel IMO it is down to individuals.
you may be a supertaster. I cannot eat any kind of brassica because to me they all taste bitter....can't use any kind of non sugar sweetener because I can taste them too. Can’t use MSG either.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supertaster
There are a number of revolting "foods" that I don't understand why some folk claim to, actually, like ?!?
I think both tastebuds and brain interpretation play a part. In some folk certain tastes may be minimised/overlooked by the brain, whilst in other folk perhaps the brain notes, latches on to a flavour, and exaggerates it ?
TheWinner, oxo cubes now have MSG in. Like you I noticed an unpleasant aftertaste so did some research. When they reduced the salt in them about 8 years ago they added MSG. At the same time, Knorr took the MSG out of their stock cubes so I switched brands.
I used gravy powder or granuals to thicken only, I used the veggie water and the meat juices and then thicken, i have had loads of compliments on my gravy.
As a man just about to set off to Tesco, I'm reading with interest. But for me I like a bisto instant gravy when making bangers n' mash with onion a bit of ground black pepper and garlic. Gordon Ramsay I'm not... I don't have Tourette syndrome.
In answer to Ummmm above - I make my own stock in bulk and freeze it. Gravy is made from it plus flour, meat juices, red or white wine (as appropriate to dish)and veg water. Delicious.
a steak pie needs gravy, especially when served with mashed spuds.
If/when I make my own gravy, I use the juices from the roast beef and add some gravy granules.