black bean sauce
Condiments & Sauces
Is black bean sauce high in glutamates?
Is black bean 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 black bean sauce contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where black bean sauce fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about black bean sauce
Black bean sauce, the fermented douchi condiment used across Chinese cooking, is high in free glutamates from the fermentation, high in fructans from the garlic that is almost always cooked into it, and typically contains gluten because it is blended with wheat-brewed soy sauce. That savory umami punch is exactly the free-glutamate load that can trigger headaches, and the garlic keeps it firmly high FODMAP, so a stir-fry built on it can bother a sensitive gut even in small amounts.
Watch for
- High in free glutamates from the fermented beans, the umami-heavy compound related to MSG that can bring on headaches
- High in fructans from the garlic, which makes it high FODMAP and a common cause of bloating
- Contains gluten because it is usually cut with wheat-brewed soy sauce, so it is not celiac-safe unless labeled gluten-free
- Poor choice for SIBO, where fermented, garlicky sauces tend to feed symptoms
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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 black bean sauce high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat black bean sauce if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check Low Fermentation, AIP, and EoE Compatible next for a fuller picture.