mint
Herbs & Spices
Is mint high in glutamates?
Is mint 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 mint contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where mint fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about mint
Mint is one of the highest-salicylate herbs there is, which is why a strong mint tea, a handful of leaves in a salad or a mint garnish can trigger salicylate-sensitive people even though the leaf is low in histamine and clean on most other fronts. The confusing part is that peppermint oil is a well-studied remedy for IBS cramping and nausea, so mint can calm one person and set off another.
Watch for
- High in salicylates, a common trigger if you react to aspirin or other salicylate-rich foods, and mint sits near the top of the herb list
- Peppermint relaxes gut muscle, so it can ease IBS spasms and nausea for some people while the salicylate load bothers others: same leaf, opposite outcomes
- Mint reaches you outside meals too, through gum, mints, toothpaste and after-dinner teas, so the daily total runs higher than a food log suggests
- Clean on histamine, tyramine and nickel, so if mint is a problem the grade to look at is salicylate rather than the usual gut suspects
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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?
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Get the AppFAQ
Is mint high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat mint if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, Low Salicylate, and Reflux Diet next for a fuller picture.