Overview
About Thyme
Thyme is a Mediterranean herb that carries salicylates, so it is worth a second look if you are salicylate-sensitive and react to aspirin-rich foods.
The good news for anyone who cooks with it constantly in roasts, stocks and slow braises is that thyme tests a step lower on salicylates than rosemary or oregano, and it is clean on histamine, FODMAPs, gluten and nightshade. A sprig tucked into a stock is a small dose; a herb-heavy marinade is where salicylate-sensitive people notice it.
Sensitivities
How Thyme scores
Watch for
What trips people up
- Moderate salicylate, though a notch below rosemary and oregano, so it is the gentler pick among the woody Mediterranean herbs if you tolerate small amounts
- Slight oxalate content, only relevant in the concentrated dried form used generously
- A mild histamine-liberating note, rarely an issue at culinary sprig quantities
Diet fit
Where it fits
Swap ideas
More alternatives
FAQ
Common questions about Thyme
Is thyme high in salicylates?
Thyme contains salicylates and rates moderate, so salicylate-sensitive people should treat it with the same caution as other herbs. It does sit a step lower than rosemary and oregano, which makes it a more forgiving choice when you want a herby flavour and tolerate small amounts.
Is thyme ok for histamine intolerance?
Thyme itself is low in histamine and only a mild liberator, so a sprig in a stock or roast is generally well tolerated on a low-histamine diet. The usual histamine problem in a slow-cooked dish comes from aged or leftover meat and broth, not the herb.
What can I use instead of thyme if I react to salicylates?
Bay leaf and fresh coriander (cilantro) both bring aroma to roasts and stocks and test lower in salicylates than thyme, so they are the practical low-salicylate swaps.
References
Read the background
Ratings reflect the Triggerbites ingredient database and may vary with portion size and preparation.