beer
Beverages
Is beer high in glutamates?
Is beer 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 beer contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where beer fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about beer
Beer stacks four separate triggers in one glass: it contains gluten from barley, it is fermented so it carries histamine and tyramine, and it is preserved with sulfites. That combination is why beer causes flushing, a stuffy nose, headaches or a racing heart in people who tolerate a single clear spirit fine. If gluten is your issue, note that most beer is not gluten free, though dedicated gluten-free beers exist.
Watch for
- Made from barley, so standard beer contains gluten and is not safe on a coeliac or gluten-free diet unless it is a certified gluten-free beer
- High in histamine and high in tyramine from the fermentation, a common cause of flushing, nasal congestion and headache within minutes
- Preserved with sulfites, which can add wheeze or a headache on top of the histamine load
- Pro-inflammatory and high in lectins, so it scores poorly if you are avoiding either
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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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Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is beer high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat beer if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Gluten, Lectin, and AIP next for a fuller picture.