tomato jam
Condiments & Sauces
Is tomato jam high in glutamates?
Is tomato jam 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.
Related checkers
Compare tomato jam across criteria
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 tomato jam contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where tomato jam fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about tomato jam
Tomato jam is a savoury-sweet preserve made by cooking tomatoes down with a large amount of sugar, and it lands in a trigger diary carrying two separate stories in one spoonful: it is a nightshade, and it is a sugar load. Our grades put it borderline rather than high on both fronts, at C for nightshade, C for free glutamate, C for total FODMAPs, C for excess fructose and C for histamine liberation, which is softer than plain tomato because sugar dilutes the fruit. The softening is real but partial. Nothing about boiling tomatoes in sugar removes the nightshade, and the long reduction that gives tomato jam its savoury depth is exactly what concentrates its free glutamate.
Watch for
- It is still a nightshade (C).If tomato is a confirmed trigger for you, the sugar and the long cook do not take the tomato out of the jar
- Free glutamate grades borderline (C).The meaty, almost savoury depth that makes tomato jam interesting on a cheese board comes from the same free glutamate behind MSG-style reactions
- Sugar drives both the FODMAP grade (C) and the excess fructose grade (C).A teaspoon alongside cheese and a few tablespoons brushed on as a glaze are very different exposures
- Histamine liberation grades C while histamine content itself is only B, so a reaction can look histamine-shaped even though the jam is not especially high in histamine
- Many savoury tomato jam recipes build the base with onion, garlic or ginger, and some use balsamic or wine vinegar.Those bring fructans and sulfites that the plain preserve grades do not account for
Explore related in Condiments & Sauces
Compare similar foods to build a personalized list of swaps that work for your system.
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 tomato jam high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: moderate signal - portion size matters.
Can I still eat tomato jam if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Try smaller portions and space it out.
What else should I check?
Check AIP, Reflux Diet, and Specific Carbohydrate next for a fuller picture.