monstera deliciosa
Fruit
Is monstera deliciosa high in glutamates?
Is monstera deliciosa 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.
Related checkers
Compare monstera deliciosa 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
- Yeast extract and hydrolyzed proteins contain glutamates
- Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally lower
Sensitivities
What monstera deliciosa contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where monstera deliciosa fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is the one fruit on this list where ripeness is a safety question, not a taste preference. It is graded E for oxalate, the top of the scale, and in the unripe fruit that oxalate takes the form of raphides: microscopic needle-shaped crystals that physically embed in the lips, tongue and throat and produce immediate burning, stinging and swelling. Fully ripe, the fruit is a legitimate tropical delicacy tasting of pineapple and banana. Unripe, it is an irritant that poisons information centres get calls about, and the rest of the plant is never food.
Watch for
- Unripe monstera fruit causes an immediate burning mouth and throat.The mechanism is mechanical, not allergic: raphides are needle crystals of calcium oxalate that lodge in mucous membranes on contact, which is the same trick raw taro and dumb cane use, all members of the Araceae family
- Ripeness is read from the scales, not from colour or squeeze.The green hexagonal plates lift and drop away from the base upward as each segment ripens, and only the exposed segments are ready. Forcing an unripe section is what causes the reaction
- Very high oxalate (graded E) even in the ripe fruit, so it is a poor choice if you form calcium oxalate kidney stones or are on a low-oxalate protocol for any reason.A ripe monstera stops being an irritant, it does not stop being high oxalate
- Only the ripe fruit is edible.Leaves, stems, roots and the unripe spadix of Monstera deliciosa are irritant plant material listed by poison centres, which matters because the same plant is a common houseplant with pets and children around it
- Moderate on histamine and salicylates, worth noting only because monstera is usually eaten very ripe, and ripeness is the direction that pushes histamine up in any fruit
Explore related in Fruit
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 monstera deliciosa high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat monstera deliciosa if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Oxalates, Keto, and Low Fibre next for a fuller picture.