gluten-free soy sauce
Condiments & Sauces
Is gluten-free soy sauce high in glutamates?
Is gluten-free soy 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 gluten-free soy sauce contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where gluten-free soy sauce fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about gluten-free soy sauce
Gluten-free soy sauce, usually tamari, solves one problem and leaves another. It swaps out the wheat of regular soy sauce, so it is genuinely gluten-free and low-FODMAP. But it is still a long-fermented soy product, which makes it very high in histamine, high in tyramine and very high in free glutamate. So it is a good pick for gluten or FODMAP concerns and a poor one if your trigger is histamine, tyramine or umami/MSG-type reactions.
Watch for
- Very high in histamine, because the long fermentation that makes soy sauce also builds histamine, a common cause of flushing, headaches and congestion after Asian meals
- High in tyramine, which matters if you take an MAOI or get tyramine-triggered migraines
- Very high in free glutamate, the natural umami that acts like MSG for people who react to it
- The upside: unlike regular soy sauce, tamari is made without wheat, so it is gluten-free and low-FODMAP
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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 gluten-free soy sauce high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat gluten-free soy sauce if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Soy, and AIP next for a fuller picture.