oyster sauce
Condiments & Sauces
Is oyster sauce high in dairy proteins?
Is oyster sauce high or low in dairy proteins? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why dairy proteins food checker matters
Dairy proteins (casein and whey) can cause reactions in people with milk protein allergy or intolerance. This is different from lactose intolerance and can cause both digestive and systemic symptoms.
- Dairy protein allergy requires complete dairy avoidance
- Casein and whey are the main proteins to avoid
- 'Non-dairy' products may still contain casein
- Ghee may be tolerated as proteins are removed
- This is different from lactose intolerance - treatment differs
Sensitivities
What oyster sauce contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where oyster sauce fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about oyster sauce
Oyster sauce is a thick, savory Chinese sauce cooked down from oyster extract, sugar and soy, and its triggers are less about histamine than about glutamate, FODMAPs and gluten. It is high in free glutamate, the umami compound that gives it that deep savory hit, high in FODMAPs from the sugars and thickeners used to build its body, and it is usually made with wheat, so it is not gluten free. If a stir-fry leaves you bloated, foggy or headachy, oyster sauce is a likely culprit even though it is not especially high in histamine.
Watch for
- High in free glutamate, the natural umami and MSG-like compound, which can trigger headache in glutamate-sensitive people
- High in FODMAPs, so it can cause bloating and gas in a sensitive or IBS gut
- Usually made with wheat, so standard versions are not gluten free: check labels if you are gluten sensitive or coeliac
- A poor fit for SIBO given the fermentable sugars and thickeners
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Dairy Proteins Guide
Everything you need to know about dairy proteins sensitivity and smart food choices.
Dairy proteins (casein and whey) can cause reactions in people with milk protein allergy or intolerance. This is different from lactose intolerance and can cause both digestive and systemic symptoms.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for Dairy Proteins sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in dairy proteins and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Dairy Proteins, consider these strategies:
- 1Dairy protein allergy requires complete dairy avoidance
- 2Casein and whey are the main proteins to avoid
- 3'Non-dairy' products may still contain casein
- 4Ghee may be tolerated as proteins are removed
- 5This is different from lactose intolerance - treatment differs
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is oyster sauce high in Dairy Proteins?
Dairy Proteins: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat oyster sauce if I'm sensitive to Dairy Proteins?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Inflammation, Vegan, and Vegetarian next for a fuller picture.