barbecue sauce
Condiments & Sauces
Is barbecue sauce high in glutamates?
Is barbecue sauce 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 barbecue sauce contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where barbecue sauce fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about barbecue sauce
Barbecue sauce is a stacked condiment: onion and garlic powder, sugar or molasses, vinegar and often wheat or soy, cooked down so every trigger is concentrated. It rates high FODMAP from the onion and garlic fructans, moderate on excess fructose from the sweeteners, and borderline on gluten and sulfites. Unlike ketchup, which is tomato-forward, barbecue sauce trouble comes from the layered onion-garlic-sugar base.
Watch for
- High in fructans from onion and garlic powder, the main FODMAP, so a couple of tablespoons can bloat a sensitive gut fast
- Added sugar, molasses or honey push it into the moderate excess-fructose range
- Often contains wheat, malt or soy, so it lands borderline on gluten: check the label if you are coeliac or gluten-sensitive
- Frequently preserved with sulfites and carrying free glutamates, both possible triggers on their own
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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 barbecue sauce high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: moderate signal - portion size matters.
Can I still eat barbecue sauce if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Try smaller portions and space it out.
What else should I check?
Check Low Fermentation, AIP, and Low Fermentation next for a fuller picture.