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gravy
Condiments & Sauces
Is gravy high in glutamates?
Is gravy 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 gravy contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where gravy fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about gravy
Gravy is a hidden source of gluten and onion for a lot of people. Traditional gravy is thickened with wheat flour, so it is high in gluten and adds fructans, and it is usually built on onion plus a stock cube or bouillon, which pushes it high in fructans and free glutamate. That combination makes gravy high-FODMAP and a frequent trigger even when the meal around it looks safe.
Watch for
- Thickened with wheat flour, so standard gravy contains gluten and is off-limits on a celiac or gluten-free diet unless it is specifically made gluten-free
- High in fructans from both the wheat flour and the onion or onion powder that flavours most gravy, which is the FODMAP behind the bloating
- High in free glutamate from stock cubes, bouillon and gravy granules, a trigger for people sensitive to MSG-like umami
- Often carries a moderate sulfite load from commercial stock and gravy mixes
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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 gravy high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat gravy if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check Vegan, Vegetarian, and AIP next for a fuller picture.