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macadamia nuts

macadamia nuts

Nuts & Seeds

Is macadamia nuts high in glutamates?

Glutamates status
Safe

Find out whether macadamia nuts is high or low in glutamates, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.

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Compare macadamia nuts across criteria

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

Triggers

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesHigh
Oxalates
NickelModerate
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationSafe

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationFit
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPAvoid
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
EoE CompatibleAvoid
FODMAPsAvoid
Low FermentationFit
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for macadamia nuts

Macadamias are the nut most often recommended as the safe one: they are low histamine and among the lowest-FODMAP nuts in a normal serve, which is why gut and histamine protocols reach for them first. The catch is salicylates. Macadamias are high in salicylates, so if you are salicylate sensitive or react to aspirin, the usual safe nut can still set you off. They are also a tree-nut allergen and very high in fat.

Watch for

High in salicylates, the one real catch on an otherwise gentle nut, and the reason it can trigger people who tolerate its FODMAP and histamine profile fine / Low FODMAP in a standard serve and low in histamine, which is exactly why it is the go-to safe nut for IBS and histamine intolerance / Moderate nickel, usually a minor issue but worth noting if you stack it with other nickel-rich foods / A tree-nut allergen and very high in fat, so large portions can also unsettle digestion

Learn More

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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FAQ

Is macadamia nuts high in Glutamates?

Glutamates: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat macadamia nuts if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Paleo AIP, EoE Compatible, and Salicylates next for a fuller picture.