kale
Vegetables
Is kale high in nitrites?
Is kale high or low in nitrites? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why nitrites food checker matters
Nitrites are preservatives commonly used in cured meats. Some people are sensitive to them, experiencing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms after consumption.
- Choose uncured or 'no nitrates/nitrites added' meat products
- Note that 'natural' nitrites from celery powder act the same way
- Fresh meat is nitrite-free
- Bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats are common sources
- Vegetables like celery and beets contain natural nitrates
Sensitivities
What kale contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where kale fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
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
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Nitrites Guide
Everything you need to know about nitrites sensitivity and smart food choices.
Nitrites are preservatives commonly used in cured meats. Some people are sensitive to them, experiencing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms after consumption.
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 Nitrites sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in nitrites and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Nitrites, consider these strategies:
- 1Choose uncured or 'no nitrates/nitrites added' meat products
- 2Note that 'natural' nitrites from celery powder act the same way
- 3Fresh meat is nitrite-free
- 4Bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats are common sources
- 5Vegetables like celery and beets contain natural nitrates
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 AppFAQ
Is kale high in Nitrites?
Nitrites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat kale if I'm sensitive to Nitrites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Low Fermentation, Low Fermentation, and Low Fibre next for a fuller picture.