onion
Vegetables
Is onion high in nightshades?
See nightshades status for onion alongside other trigger notes.
Related checkers
Compare onion across criteria
Sensitivity notes
Why nightshades food checker matters
Nightshades are a plant family including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Some people find that avoiding nightshades helps with joint pain, digestive issues, or inflammatory conditions, though research is limited.
- Complete elimination for 30 days gives the clearest picture
- Watch for hidden nightshades in spice blends and sauces
- Paprika and cayenne are nightshades often overlooked
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for onion
Aromatic base that adds depth to soups, sauces, and sautes.
Typical serving
1/4 medium onion (about 50 g)
Best for
saute bases / soups / roasted trays
Prep notes
- Sweat slowly to mellow the bite.
- Slice thinly for quick pickles or salads.
- Rinse raw slices for a lighter flavor.
Portion notes
- A quarter onion is plenty for most pans.
- Thin slices distribute flavor across bowls.
- One tablespoon minced adds aroma without bulk.
Watch for
raw bite in salads / over-browning at high heat
Explore related in Vegetables
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Nightshades Guide
Everything you need to know about nightshades sensitivity and smart food choices.
Nightshades are a plant family including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Some people find that avoiding nightshades helps with joint pain, digestive issues, or inflammatory conditions, though research is limited.
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 Nightshades sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in nightshades and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Nightshades, consider these strategies:
- 1Complete elimination for 30 days gives the clearest picture
- 2Watch for hidden nightshades in spice blends and sauces
- 3Paprika and cayenne are nightshades often overlooked
- 4Sweet potatoes are NOT nightshades - they're safe
- 5Goji berries are nightshades
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
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