tofu
Legumes/Pulses
Is tofu high in tyramine?
Is tofu high or low in tyramine? 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 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
- Common high-tyramine foods include aged cheese, cured meats, and soy sauce
- Ripeness affects tyramine - choose less ripe fruits
Sensitivities
What tofu contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where tofu fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about tofu
Tofu is clean on histamine, gluten and lactose, but it is high in oxalate and high in nickel, and because it is made from soybeans it is a recognised EoE and elimination-diet trigger. Its FODMAP status is texture-dependent: firm and extra-firm tofu are low FODMAP because the GOS-rich liquid is pressed out, while silken tofu holds more and sits higher. So the usual reasons tofu bothers people are oxalate and nickel, not gluten.
Watch for
- High in oxalate, especially calcium-set tofu, which can be a problem if you are prone to kidney stones or oxalate-related symptoms
- High in nickel, so regular tofu-heavy meals can add up for people with systemic nickel allergy
- Firm and extra-firm tofu are low FODMAP; silken tofu is higher, so swap the texture before you cut it out
- Soy is a top EoE and six-food-elimination trigger, so tofu comes off the list on those protocols
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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 are high in tyramine and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
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.
Get the AppFAQ
Is tofu high in Tyramine?
Tyramine: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat tofu if I'm sensitive to Tyramine?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Soy, Oxalates, and Lectin next for a fuller picture.