green tea
Beverages
Is green tea high in glutamates?
Is green tea 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 green tea contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where green tea fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about green tea
Green tea is a gentler caffeine source than coffee, with roughly a third to a half the caffeine of a mug of coffee, plus L-theanine that tends to smooth the energy out and reduce jitters. The catch for trigger tracking is salicylates: green tea is graded high in them. On oxalate it is the milder tea, generally lower than black tea because it is barely oxidised, so it is a common swap for people cutting back on oxalate-heavy black tea.
Watch for
- High in salicylates, so green tea can trigger salicylate-sensitive people even though it is otherwise a clean, anti-inflammatory drink
- Moderate caffeine, less than coffee and less than black tea, paired with L-theanine for a calmer, slower lift
- Contains oxalate but generally less than black tea since it is minimally oxidised; still worth moderating if you are prone to kidney stones
- Moderate nickel, relevant only if you have systemic nickel allergy
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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 green tea high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat green tea if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, Low Salicylate, and Nickel next for a fuller picture.