pesto
Condiments & Sauces
Trigger checker for pesto
See pesto rated across every trigger — FODMAP, histamine, salicylate, oxalate, tyramine and more — plus diet compatibility, all in one quick ingredient profile.
Related checkers
Compare pesto across criteria
Sensitivities
What pesto contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where pesto fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about pesto
Pesto is a composite sauce, so its triggers stack from several ingredients at once rather than coming from one. The parmesan makes it high in free glutamate and dairy protein, the garlic makes it high in fructans, and the basil adds a moderate salicylate load. That is why people who eat plain pasta without trouble still react to pesto: a single spoonful hits an MSG-reactive or FODMAP-sensitive person harder than any one of those foods would on its own.
Watch for
- High in free glutamates from the aged parmesan, the same naturally occurring umami compound behind MSG-style reactions such as headache, flushing and sinus congestion
- High in dairy protein from the cheese, so it is off-limits if you react to casein or whey, and it is not vegan
- High in fructans from the garlic, a common FODMAP trigger for bloating and gas even in small amounts
- Moderate salicylates from the basil, worth noting if you are salicylate-sensitive and eating it alongside other salicylate-rich foods
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FAQ
What does the FODMAP rating mean for pesto?
High FODMAP: consider smaller servings or swap within the same group.
Is pesto generally well tolerated?
FODMAPs (High) and Fructans (High) Start with those if you react.
What should I check next?
Compare within the Condiments & Sauces group.