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lettuce
Vegetables
Is lettuce high in glutamates?
Is lettuce 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 lettuce contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where lettuce fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about lettuce
Lettuce is a safe base green, clean across nearly every trigger: low histamine, low salicylate, gluten free, and importantly low in oxalate, unlike spinach, which is very high in oxalate. That makes lettuce a reliable salad base when spinach and other leafy greens are off the table. Two small notes keep it honest: it carries a modest FODMAP load in very large volumes, and its nickel content is borderline rather than negligible.
Watch for
- Low oxalate, in clear contrast to spinach, which is high oxalate: swapping spinach for lettuce is a common move on a low-oxalate diet
- Moderate FODMAP only in large volumes, so a normal side salad is fine while a huge bowl can add up for a sensitive gut
- Nickel sits at a borderline level, worth noting if you have a strict systemic nickel allergy but not a concern for most people
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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 lettuce high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat lettuce if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Gastroparesis Diet, Low Fibre, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.