cheese
Dairy & Alternatives
Is cheese high in glutamates?
Find out whether cheese is high or low in glutamates, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.
Related checkers
Compare cheese across criteria
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
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for cheese
Whether cheese is a trigger depends heavily on the type. It is very high in lactose in fresh forms and high in casein and whey dairy protein across the board, so it is a common cause of bloating, gas and cramping for anyone with lactose intolerance or a dairy protein sensitivity. Aged and hard cheeses lose most of their lactose during ripening but build up histamine and tyramine instead, which is why parmesan or blue cheese can bring on headaches or flushing while fresh mozzarella upsets the gut.
Watch for
Very high in lactose in fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese, a leading cause of bloating and diarrhea if you are lactose intolerant / High in dairy protein (casein and whey) in every type, so it still triggers a milk protein sensitivity even when the cheese is aged and low in lactose / Aged and blue cheeses climb in histamine and tyramine as they ripen, which can set off headaches, flushing or migraine / Poorly tolerated in SIBO, where even small amounts can feed excess fermentation
Explore related in Dairy & Alternatives
Compare similar foods to build a personalized list of swaps that work for your system.
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 cheese high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat cheese if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Lactose, Lectin, and Low Fermentation next for a fuller picture.