water
Beverages
Is water high in glutamates?
Find out whether water 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 water
Plain water is the baseline safe drink: no histamine, no FODMAPs, no salicylate, no caffeine, nothing to react to. If water seems to bother you, the trigger is almost always an additive, not the water. Tonic water contains quinine and sugar, flavoured and vitamin waters add sweeteners and citric acid, and sparkling or carbonated water can bloat a sensitive or reflux-prone gut. Still water itself is as clean as a drink gets.
Watch for
Tonic water is not plain water: it contains quinine and added sugar, so a reaction to tonic is not a reaction to water / Flavoured and vitamin waters add sweeteners, acids and colourings, any of which can be the real trigger / Sparkling and carbonated water can cause bloating or reflux for some, from the carbonation rather than any chemical trigger
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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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Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is water high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat water if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Histamine Liberators, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.