mayonnaise
Condiments & Sauces
Is mayonnaise high in nitrites?
Find out whether mayonnaise is high or low in nitrites, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.
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Compare mayonnaise across criteria
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
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is not a single ingredient, it is egg yolk, oil and an acid like vinegar or lemon, so its trigger profile is the sum of a few borderline parts rather than one big one. It carries moderate sulfites (graded C), sits borderline on histamine and salicylates (both B), and because it is egg based it does not fit an egg-free or EoE elimination plan. None of these is severe alone, but together they explain why mayo shows up on reaction logs more than a plain oil would.
Watch for
Moderate sulfites (graded C), which can come from the vinegar and preservatives in commercial jars and bother sulfite-sensitive people / Borderline on histamine and salicylates, a low-level double that adds up if you already react to aged or salicylate-rich foods / Egg based, so it does not fit an egg-free or eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) elimination diet / The oil is usually a refined seed oil, which is why it grades only middling on the anti-inflammatory scale
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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.
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Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is mayonnaise high in Nitrites?
Nitrites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat mayonnaise if I'm sensitive to Nitrites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Vegan, EoE Compatible, and Sulfites next for a fuller picture.