kale
Vegetables
Is kale high in glutamates?
Is kale 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 kale contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where kale fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about kale
Kale earns its superfood reputation on the trigger data: it is strongly anti-inflammatory, low in histamine, and, unlike spinach, genuinely low in oxalate, so it is a rare leafy green that oxalate-sensitive and kidney-stone-prone people can usually enjoy. The caveats are real but specific. It is a cruciferous vegetable that ferments heavily in the gut and so grades poorly for SIBO; it is moderate FODMAP by the plateful; and it carries a moderate amount of nickel that matters if you have systemic nickel allergy.
Watch for
- Low in oxalate, which sets it apart from spinach, chard and beet greens: a good swap if oxalate or kidney stones are your issue
- Cruciferous and highly fermentable, so it grades poorly for SIBO and can cause gas and bloating in larger raw servings; light cooking helps
- Moderate FODMAP by volume, so a small side is fine on low-FODMAP but a big raw bowl may not be
- Contains a moderate amount of nickel, relevant if you have systemic nickel allergy and are combining several nickel-rich foods
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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.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is kale high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat kale if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Low Fermentation, Low Fermentation, and Low Fibre next for a fuller picture.