artificial sweeteners
Sweeteners
Is artificial sweeteners high in glutamates?
Is artificial sweeteners 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.
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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 artificial sweeteners contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where artificial sweeteners fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners as a category (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, acesulfame K) carry no histamine, no lactose, no gluten and no salicylate load, so the usual food-chemistry suspects are not the reason they upset people. The gut is. The category rates moderate on FODMAPs and moderate for SIBO, mostly because "sugar-free" products blend these intense sweeteners with sugar alcohols, and it is the sugar alcohol that ferments and pulls water into the bowel. If sugar-free gum, protein bars or diet drinks give you bloating and loose stools, read the label before you blame the sweetener on the front.
Watch for
- Rated moderate on FODMAPs and moderate for SIBO as a category, so sugar-free products are a common source of unexplained bloating and urgency
- The intense sweeteners themselves are not polyols, but they are routinely bulked out with sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol or erythritol, which are, so check the ingredients list rather than the sweetener name
- Graded pro-inflammatory and outside both the DASH and Mediterranean patterns, which is a diet-fit note rather than a sensitivity trigger
- Not permitted on paleo or AIP eating
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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.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is artificial sweeteners high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat artificial sweeteners if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Lectin, Inflammation, and AIP next for a fuller picture.