Back to Tyramine food checker
soy sauce

soy sauce

Condiments & Sauces

Is soy sauce high in tyramine?

Tyramine status
High

Find out whether soy sauce is high or low in tyramine, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.

Sensitivity notes

Why tyramine food checker matters

Tyramine is an amino acid that forms when proteins break down. It's found in aged, fermented, or spoiled foods. For people taking MAO inhibitors or those with tyramine sensitivity, it can cause headaches, elevated blood pressure, and other reactions.

  • Choose fresh over aged, fermented, or preserved foods
  • Eat protein foods fresh and store properly
  • Be especially careful if taking MAO inhibitor medications

Triggers

HistamineAvoid
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenAvoid
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesSafe
OxalatesLow
NickelModerate
SulfitesSafe
NitritesAvoid
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineHigh
CaffeineSafe
LectinAvoid
Low FermentationSafe

Diets

GlutenAvoid
InflammationAvoid
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPAvoid
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
EoE CompatibleFit
FODMAPsAvoid
Low FermentationFit
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for soy sauce

Most people are surprised that standard soy sauce is brewed with wheat, so it grades as containing gluten and is not safe for celiac disease. On top of that it is fermented, which makes it very high in histamine and high in tyramine, the trigger that matters if you take an MAOI medication or get migraines from aged and fermented foods.

Watch for

Brewed with wheat, so ordinary soy sauce contains gluten and is not celiac-safe (look for a certified gluten-free tamari instead) / Very high in histamine from fermentation, a frequent flushing and headache trigger / High in tyramine, relevant on MAOI medications and for tyramine-driven migraines / A processed condiment that grades high in nitrites and pro-inflammatory

Learn More

Tyramine Guide

Everything you need to know about tyramine sensitivity and smart food choices.

Tyramine is an amino acid that forms when proteins break down. It's found in aged, fermented, or spoiled foods. For people taking MAO inhibitors or those with tyramine sensitivity, it can cause headaches, elevated blood pressure, and other reactions.

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 Tyramine sensitivity:

View all safe options

These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:

If you're sensitive to Tyramine, consider these strategies:

  • 1Choose fresh over aged, fermented, or preserved foods
  • 2Eat protein foods fresh and store properly
  • 3Be especially careful if taking MAO inhibitor medications
  • 4Common high-tyramine foods include aged cheese, cured meats, and soy sauce
  • 5Ripeness affects tyramine - choose less ripe fruits

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.

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FAQ

Is soy sauce high in Tyramine?

Tyramine: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.

Can I still eat soy sauce if I'm sensitive to Tyramine?

Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.

What else should I check?

Check Histamine, Gluten, and Nitrites next for a fuller picture.