allspice
Herbs & Spices
Is allspice high in glutamates?
Is allspice high or low in glutamates? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
Related checkers
Compare allspice across criteria
Sensitivity notes
Why glutamates food checker matters
Glutamates, including MSG, are flavor enhancers found naturally in many foods and added to others. Some people report sensitivity causing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms, though research on 'MSG syndrome' is mixed.
- MSG goes by many names - look for 'glutamate' on labels
- Naturally high in soy sauce, fish sauce, and aged cheeses
- Tomatoes and mushrooms are naturally high in glutamates
- Yeast extract and hydrolyzed proteins contain glutamates
- Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally lower
Sensitivities
What allspice contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where allspice fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about allspice
Despite the name, allspice is not a blend. It is the dried berry of the Pimenta dioica tree, and it just happens to taste like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg at once. Like most intensely aromatic spices it is very high in salicylates, which is the trigger to watch: a warm-spiced bake or a jerk marinade can add up quickly for anyone salicylate sensitive. It also carries a moderate amount of nickel.
Watch for
- Very high in salicylates, so allspice can provoke reactions in people sensitive to aspirin or salicylate-rich foods, from hives to headaches to gut upset
- Moderate nickel content, worth noting on a low-nickel diet for systemic nickel allergy
- A little goes a long way: the salicylate concentration is high, but the tiny amounts used per dish keep exposure lower than the grade suggests
Explore related in Herbs & Spices
Compare similar foods to build a personalized list of swaps that work for your system.
Glutamates Guide
Everything you need to know about glutamates sensitivity and smart food choices.
Glutamates, including MSG, are flavor enhancers found naturally in many foods and added to others. Some people report sensitivity causing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms, though research on 'MSG syndrome' is mixed.
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 Glutamates sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in glutamates and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Glutamates, consider these strategies:
- 1MSG goes by many names - look for 'glutamate' on labels
- 2Naturally high in soy sauce, fish sauce, and aged cheeses
- 3Tomatoes and mushrooms are naturally high in glutamates
- 4Yeast extract and hydrolyzed proteins contain glutamates
- 5Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally lower
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 allspice high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat allspice if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, Low Salicylate, and Nickel next for a fuller picture.