sage
Herbs & Spices
Is sage high in glutamates?
Is sage 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 sage contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where sage fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about sage
Sage carries no histamine, no gluten, no nickel and no dairy, but it grades high in salicylates, which is typical for the strongly aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Dose is the whole story here. Three leaves browned in butter is a very different exposure from a mug of sage tea or a sage capsule, and people who react usually got there through the concentrated forms rather than the seasoning.
Watch for
- High in salicylates.Sage is one of the potent aromatic herbs, and salicylate content tracks with that intensity of flavour
- Sage tea, sage extracts and sage supplements deliver far more of the plant than a few leaves in a roast, so they are the forms most likely to provoke a reaction
- Clean on histamine, tyramine, nickel and gluten, so if sage sets off symptoms, salicylate is the grade to look at first
- Moderate on FODMAPs, though culinary amounts are small enough that this rarely matters in practice
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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 sage high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat sage if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, Low Salicylate, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.