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soy beans

soy beans

Legumes/Pulses

Is soy beans high in glutamates?

Glutamates status
Safe

Is soy beans 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.

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 soy beans contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsHigh
FructansSafe
GOSHigh
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineModerate
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
TyramineSafe

Plant compounds

SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesModerate
LectinAvoid
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsSafe

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoyAvoid
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelAvoid

Diet fit

Where soy beans fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineCheck
Low SalicylateCheck
Low FermentationAvoid
EoE CompatibleAvoid
AIPAvoid
InflammationFit
Reflux DietFit
Specific CarbohydrateAvoid
Low FibreAvoid
Gastroparesis DietAvoid

Lifestyle diets

VeganFit
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
PaleoAvoid
Whole30Avoid
KetoFit
Low-carbFit

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainFit
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingFit
Ingredient notes

What to know about soy beans

Whole soybeans (the mature bean, distinct from tofu, edamame or soy milk) are high in galacto-oligosaccharides, the GOS FODMAP, and they carry the highest possible nickel rating, making them one of the strongest dietary nickel sources for anyone with systemic nickel allergy. Soy is also one of the major food allergens and a recognised eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) trigger, so whole soybeans can be a problem on both a gut-FODMAP and an immune level.

Watch for

  • High in galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), so whole soybeans ferment in the gut and cause bloating and wind in FODMAP-sensitive people
  • Highest nickel rating, a real concern for systemic nickel allergy since soy is among the most nickel-dense foods
  • A major food allergen and a common eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) trigger, so soy is one of the foods removed on an EoE elimination diet
  • High in lectins when raw or undercooked; soybeans must be thoroughly cooked
Learn More

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.

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FAQ

Is soy beans high in Glutamates?

Glutamates: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat soy beans if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Soy, Nickel, and Lectin next for a fuller picture.