Overview
About Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most anti-inflammatory vegetables you can eat, which is why its trigger profile catches people off guard: it is high in salicylates, high in free glutamates, and carries mannitol, a FODMAP polyol.
Searches for "is broccoli high in salicylate" or "why does broccoli upset my stomach" almost always trace back to one of those three, not to histamine.
Sensitivities
How Broccoli scores
Watch for
What trips people up
- High in salicylates (grade D), a real trigger if you react to aspirin or other salicylate-rich plants
- High in free glutamates, the natural umami compound that can bother people who are sensitive to MSG-like foods
- Contains mannitol and fructans, so the stalks and larger servings are the parts most likely to cause gas and bloating
- Rated poorly for SIBO, where even moderate fermentable fibre can flare symptoms
Diet fit
Where it fits
Swap ideas
More alternatives
FAQ
Common questions about Broccoli
Is broccoli high in salicylates?
Yes. Broccoli is graded high (D) for salicylates, which is why it can trigger people who react to aspirin, mint, berries or other salicylate-rich foods. Peeling is not really an option here, so smaller portions or a low-salicylate vegetable like cabbage or bamboo shoots is the usual workaround.
Why does broccoli make me bloated?
Broccoli contains mannitol, a sugar alcohol, and fructans, two FODMAPs that ferment in the gut. The stalks hold more mannitol than the florets, and a large serving tips it from a moderate to a high FODMAP load, which is where the gas and bloating come from.
Is broccoli high in histamine?
No. Broccoli is low in histamine and is not a histamine liberator, so if it bothers you the cause is far more likely its salicylate, glutamate or FODMAP content.
References
Read the background
Ratings reflect the Triggerbites ingredient database and may vary with portion size and preparation.