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walnuts
Nuts & Seeds
Is walnuts high in glutamates?
Is walnuts 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 walnuts contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where walnuts fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about walnuts
Walnuts are genuinely anti-inflammatory thanks to their plant omega-3s, but they are also very high in oxalate and high in nickel, so the same handful that is good for your heart can be a real problem if you are prone to kidney stones or have a nickel allergy. That trade-off, a strong nutrition upside sitting on top of two clear triggers, is what sets walnuts apart from a plain snack nut.
Watch for
- Very high in oxalate, one of the higher-oxalate nuts, worth limiting if you are managing calcium-oxalate kidney stones
- High in nickel, a common flare trigger for people with systemic nickel allergy (nut, seed and wholegrain foods tend to be nickel-rich)
- A tree nut, so a top allergen and not eosinophilic-oesophagitis friendly if nuts are on your elimination list
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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 walnuts high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat walnuts if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Tree Nuts, Oxalates, and AIP next for a fuller picture.