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kale

kale

Vegetables

Is kale high in caffeine?

Caffeine status
Safe

Is kale high or low in caffeine? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.

Sensitivity notes

Why caffeine food checker matters

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many soft drinks. While safe for most people, those with caffeine sensitivity may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances even from small amounts.

  • Gradually reduce caffeine to avoid withdrawal headaches
  • Switch to decaf versions of your favorite drinks
  • Be aware of hidden caffeine in chocolate and some medications
  • Try herbal alternatives like rooibos or peppermint tea
  • Caffeine sensitivity can change with age and stress levels

Sensitivities

What kale contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
TyramineSafe

Plant compounds

Salicylates
OxalatesSafe
LectinSafe
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsSafe

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoySafe
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelModerate

Diet fit

Where kale fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineFit
Low SalicylateFit
Low FermentationAvoid
EoE CompatibleFit
AIPFit
InflammationFit
Reflux DietFit
Specific CarbohydrateFit
Low FibreAvoid
Gastroparesis DietAvoid

Lifestyle diets

VeganFit
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
PaleoFit
Whole30Fit
KetoFit
Low-carbFit

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainFit
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingFit
Ingredient notes

What to know about kale

Kale earns its superfood reputation on the trigger data: it is strongly anti-inflammatory, low in histamine, and, unlike spinach, genuinely low in oxalate, so it is a rare leafy green that oxalate-sensitive and kidney-stone-prone people can usually enjoy. The caveats are real but specific. It is a cruciferous vegetable that ferments heavily in the gut and so grades poorly for SIBO; it is moderate FODMAP by the plateful; and it carries a moderate amount of nickel that matters if you have systemic nickel allergy.

Watch for

  • Low in oxalate, which sets it apart from spinach, chard and beet greens: a good swap if oxalate or kidney stones are your issue
  • Cruciferous and highly fermentable, so it grades poorly for SIBO and can cause gas and bloating in larger raw servings; light cooking helps
  • Moderate FODMAP by volume, so a small side is fine on low-FODMAP but a big raw bowl may not be
  • Contains a moderate amount of nickel, relevant if you have systemic nickel allergy and are combining several nickel-rich foods
Learn More

Caffeine Guide

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

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many soft drinks. While safe for most people, those with caffeine sensitivity may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances even from small amounts.

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 Caffeine sensitivity:

View all safe options

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

These foods are high in caffeine and may trigger symptoms:

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

  • 1Gradually reduce caffeine to avoid withdrawal headaches
  • 2Switch to decaf versions of your favorite drinks
  • 3Be aware of hidden caffeine in chocolate and some medications
  • 4Try herbal alternatives like rooibos or peppermint tea
  • 5Caffeine sensitivity can change with age and stress levels

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 App

FAQ

Is kale high in Caffeine?

Caffeine: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat kale if I'm sensitive to Caffeine?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Low Fermentation, Low Fermentation, and Low Fibre next for a fuller picture.