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soy sauce
Condiments & Sauces
Is soy sauce high in glutamates?
Is soy sauce 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 soy sauce contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where soy sauce fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about soy sauce
Most people are surprised that standard soy sauce is brewed with wheat, so it grades as containing gluten and is not safe for celiac disease. On top of that it is fermented, which makes it very high in histamine and high in tyramine, the trigger that matters if you take an MAOI medication or get migraines from aged and fermented foods.
Watch for
- Brewed with wheat, so ordinary soy sauce contains gluten and is not celiac-safe (look for a certified gluten-free tamari instead)
- Very high in histamine from fermentation, a frequent flushing and headache trigger
- High in tyramine, relevant on MAOI medications and for tyramine-driven migraines
- A processed condiment that grades high in nitrites and pro-inflammatory
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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.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is soy sauce high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat soy sauce if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Gluten, and Soy next for a fuller picture.