tofu
Legumes/Pulses
Is tofu high in nitrites?
Is tofu 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.
Related checkers
Compare tofu 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
- Bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats are common sources
- Vegetables like celery and beets contain natural nitrates
Sensitivities
What tofu contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where tofu fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about tofu
Tofu is clean on histamine, gluten and lactose, but it is high in oxalate and high in nickel, and because it is made from soybeans it is a recognised EoE and elimination-diet trigger. Its FODMAP status is texture-dependent: firm and extra-firm tofu are low FODMAP because the GOS-rich liquid is pressed out, while silken tofu holds more and sits higher. So the usual reasons tofu bothers people are oxalate and nickel, not gluten.
Watch for
- High in oxalate, especially calcium-set tofu, which can be a problem if you are prone to kidney stones or oxalate-related symptoms
- High in nickel, so regular tofu-heavy meals can add up for people with systemic nickel allergy
- Firm and extra-firm tofu are low FODMAP; silken tofu is higher, so swap the texture before you cut it out
- Soy is a top EoE and six-food-elimination trigger, so tofu comes off the list on those protocols
Explore related in Legumes/Pulses
Compare similar foods to build a personalized list of swaps that work for your system.
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 tofu high in Nitrites?
Nitrites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat tofu if I'm sensitive to Nitrites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Soy, Oxalates, and Lectin next for a fuller picture.