root beer
Beverages
Is root beer high in glutamates?
Is root beer 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 root beer contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where root beer fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about root beer
Root beer is a sweet, usually caffeine-free soda flavoured with wintergreen and sassafras, and that mix gives it a different trigger profile from cola. It is caffeine-free, but it is loaded with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, which makes it high in excess fructose and high FODMAP, a common cause of gas and bloating. The wintergreen and sassafras flavouring also brings a moderate dose of salicylates that cola does not.
Watch for
- High in excess fructose (E) and high FODMAP (E) from the sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, a frequent trigger for bloating, gas and loose stools
- Moderate salicylates (C) from wintergreen (methyl salicylate) and sassafras flavouring, worth noting if you react to aspirin or salicylate-rich foods
- Caffeine-free, unlike cola, so it will not keep you awake, but the sugar load is just as high
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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 root beer high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: moderate signal - portion size matters.
Can I still eat root beer if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Try smaller portions and space it out.
What else should I check?
Check FODMAPs, Fructose, and Low Fermentation next for a fuller picture.