provolone
Dairy & Alternatives
Is provolone high in glutamates?
Is provolone 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 provolone contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where provolone fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about provolone
Provolone is an aged Italian cheese that scores high in both histamine and tyramine, and the longer-aged, sharper piccante style sits right at the top of the scale. If aged cheese reliably brings on headaches, flushing or a racing heart, provolone is a classic culprit. Smoked provolone (affumicato) adds another layer, since smoking tends to push amine levels higher still. The one saving grace: aging burns off most of the milk sugar, so provolone is only moderate in lactose even though it stays very high in dairy protein.
Watch for
- High in histamine and high in tyramine, the double hit behind the headaches, flushing and blood-pressure spikes people get from aged cheese
- Smoked provolone (affumicato) can carry more histamine than the plain aged wheel, so it is the riskier pick if you already react to aged cheese
- Very high in casein and whey, so it is off the table on a strict dairy-free plan even though aging leaves it only moderate in lactose
- A concentrated source of natural glutamates from months of ripening, which can bother people sensitive to savory, MSG-like foods
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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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Get the AppFAQ
Is provolone high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat provolone if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Dairy Proteins, and Tyramine next for a fuller picture.