turkey
Poultry
Is turkey high in glutamates?
Find out whether turkey is high or low in glutamates, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all 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
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for turkey
Is turkey a low-trigger food? Turkey is one of the leanest low-trigger proteins and a common choice in elimination diets: no gluten or lactose, and low in FODMAPs, histamine and salicylates when it is fresh. Where it differs from chicken is the deli counter. Sliced, cured and smoked turkey is a classic histamine and nitrite trigger, so the reassuring picture only holds for plain, freshly cooked turkey.
Watch for
Fresh roast turkey is low-trigger, but deli, smoked and cured turkey slices are aged and processed, which raises histamine and adds nitrites / A very lean protein, which is why it is often picked for elimination and low-FODMAP diets; plain turkey has no FODMAPs / Stuffing, gravy and glazes are where the wheat, onion and garlic come from, not the turkey itself / As with any meat, cooked turkey gains histamine as leftovers, so refrigerate or freeze it quickly
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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 turkey high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat turkey if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Vegan, Vegetarian, and Lectin next for a fuller picture.