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black pepper
Herbs & Spices
Is black pepper high in glutamates?
Is black pepper 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 pepper contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where black pepper fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about black pepper
Black pepper is the seasoning people are surprised to see flagged, because it seems too small to matter. The real issue is that it is rated high in salicylates, so even a light grind adds up if you are salicylate sensitive. It also gets grouped with nightshades on AIP diets and removed early, even though black pepper (Piper nigrum) is not botanically a nightshade at all.
Watch for
- Rated high in salicylates, so it can contribute to headaches, itching or flushing in salicylate-sensitive people even in small pinches
- Excluded early on AIP protocols as a seed-based spice, which is why it is often lumped in with the nightshades
- Commonly mistaken for a nightshade, but it is Piper nigrum from the pepper vine, unrelated to bell peppers, chili or potato
- Easy to overlook because it is added by habit to almost everything, so it hides in restaurant and packaged food
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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.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is black pepper high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat black pepper if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check AIP, Salicylates, and Low Salicylate next for a fuller picture.