onion
Vegetables
Is onion high in glutamates?
See glutamates status for onion alongside other trigger notes.
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Compare onion 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
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for onion
Aromatic base that adds depth to soups, sauces, and sautes.
Typical serving
1/4 medium onion (about 50 g)
Best for
saute bases / soups / roasted trays
Prep notes
- Sweat slowly to mellow the bite.
- Slice thinly for quick pickles or salads.
- Rinse raw slices for a lighter flavor.
Portion notes
- A quarter onion is plenty for most pans.
- Thin slices distribute flavor across bowls.
- One tablespoon minced adds aroma without bulk.
Watch for
raw bite in salads / over-browning at high heat
Explore related in Vegetables
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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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