sweet potato
Vegetables
Is sweet potato high in glutamates?
Is sweet potato 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 sweet potato contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where sweet potato fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about sweet potato
Despite the name, sweet potato is not a nightshade. It belongs to the morning glory family (Ipomoea batatas), while the white potato is the actual nightshade (Solanum tuberosum), so people avoiding nightshades can usually eat sweet potato freely. Its real trigger is oxalate: sweet potato is high in oxalate, with roughly 97 mg in a medium one, which matters for anyone prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones.
Watch for
- High in oxalate, around 97 mg per medium sweet potato, a meaningful amount for anyone managing calcium-oxalate kidney stones or on a low-oxalate diet
- Not a nightshade: it is in the morning glory family, unlike the white potato, so nightshade-sensitive people generally tolerate it
- Moderate salicylate and moderate polyols, so a large portion can also add up for sensitive guts
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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 sweet potato high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat sweet potato if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Oxalates, Inflammation, and Specific Carbohydrate next for a fuller picture.