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kimchi

kimchi

Condiments & Sauces

Is kimchi high in fodmaps?

FODMAPs status
High

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

Sensitivity notes

Why fodmaps food checker matters

FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can cause digestive distress in sensitive individuals. They include fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans, and polyols. These sugars are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and ferment in the colon, potentially causing bloating, gas, and discomfort.

  • Start with a 2-6 week elimination phase, removing all high-FODMAP foods
  • Keep a detailed food and symptom diary to track your reactions
  • Reintroduce one FODMAP group at a time to identify your specific triggers
  • Remember that threshold varies - you may tolerate small amounts
  • Work with a dietitian trained in the low-FODMAP diet for best results

Sensitivities

What kimchi contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsHigh
FructansModerate
GOSLow
FructoseLow
PolyolsLow
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineAvoid
Histamine LiberatorsAvoid
TyramineAvoid

Plant compounds

SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesSafe
LectinModerate
NightshadesModerate

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsHigh
Acidic FoodsLow

Additives

SulfitesLow
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesHigh

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoyLow
FishHigh
CrustaceansModerate
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelLow

Diet fit

Where kimchi fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineAvoid
Low SalicylateAvoid
Low FermentationHigh
EoE CompatibleAvoid
AIPAvoid
InflammationFit
Reflux DietAvoid
Specific CarbohydrateCheck
Low FibreAvoid
Gastroparesis DietAvoid

Lifestyle diets

VeganCheck
VegetarianCheck
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanCheck
DASH DietCheck
PaleoFit
Whole30Avoid
KetoFit
Low-carbFit

Religious diets

HalalCheck
KosherAvoid
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainAvoid
Buddhist VegetarianAvoid
Orthodox FastingAvoid
Ingredient notes

What to know about kimchi

Kimchi is one of the most layered food triggers going, which is why a spoonful can set off symptoms fast. As a long-fermented cabbage it is very high in histamine and tyramine and it also acts as a histamine liberator, then it piles on the chilli that makes it a nightshade, the garlic and onion that make it high in fructans, and free glutamate from the ferment. People search whether kimchi causes headaches, flushing or a racing heart, and with this many triggers in one jar the answer is often yes.

Watch for

  • Very high in histamine and a histamine liberator on top of that, a strong driver of flushing, headache and hives
  • High in tyramine from the long ferment, relevant for MAOI diets and fermented-food migraines
  • Contains chilli, so it counts as a nightshade, and the garlic and onion push it high in fructans (a FODMAP)
  • Fermentation raises free glutamate, which can add to the umami-food reactions some people get
Learn More

FODMAPs Guide

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

FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can cause digestive distress in sensitive individuals. They include fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans, and polyols. These sugars are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and ferment in the colon, potentially causing bloating, gas, and discomfort.

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 FODMAPs sensitivity:

View all safe options

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

These foods are high in fodmaps and may trigger symptoms:

View full list

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

  • 1Start with a 2-6 week elimination phase, removing all high-FODMAP foods
  • 2Keep a detailed food and symptom diary to track your reactions
  • 3Reintroduce one FODMAP group at a time to identify your specific triggers
  • 4Remember that threshold varies - you may tolerate small amounts
  • 5Work with a dietitian trained in the low-FODMAP diet for best results

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 kimchi high in FODMAPs?

FODMAP rating: High FODMAP. High FODMAP: consider smaller servings or swap within the same group.

Can I still eat kimchi if I'm sensitive to FODMAPs?

Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.

What else should I check?

Check Histamine, Histamine Liberators, and Tyramine next for a fuller picture.