Overview
About soy sauce
Most people are surprised that standard soy sauce is brewed with wheat, so it grades as containing gluten and is not safe for celiac disease.
On top of that it is fermented, which makes it very high in histamine and high in tyramine, the trigger that matters if you take an MAOI medication or get migraines from aged and fermented foods.
Sensitivities
How soy sauce scores
Watch for
What trips people up
- Brewed with wheat, so ordinary soy sauce contains gluten and is not celiac-safe (look for a certified gluten-free tamari instead)
- Very high in histamine from fermentation, a frequent flushing and headache trigger
- High in tyramine, relevant on MAOI medications and for tyramine-driven migraines
- A processed condiment that grades high in nitrites and pro-inflammatory
Diet fit
Where it fits
Swap ideas
More alternatives
FAQ
Common questions about soy sauce
Does soy sauce contain gluten?
Traditional soy sauce is brewed from soybeans and wheat, so standard bottles contain gluten and are not safe on a celiac or gluten-free diet. Tamari made without wheat and labeled certified gluten-free is the reliable alternative.
Is soy sauce high in histamine?
Yes. Fermentation is a histamine-building process, so soy sauce grades very high in histamine and is a common trigger for flushing, headaches and congestion in histamine intolerance, along with other aged and fermented condiments.
Is soy sauce a problem on MAOI medications?
It can be. Soy sauce is high in tyramine, and tyramine-rich fermented foods are the classic caution on MAOI antidepressants because they can spike blood pressure. It is also a known dietary tyramine trigger for some migraine sufferers.
References
Read the background
Ratings reflect the Triggerbites ingredient database and may vary with portion size and preparation.