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kale

kale

Vegetables

Is kale high in oxalates?

Oxalates status
Safe

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

Sensitivity notes

Why oxalates food checker matters

Oxalates are compounds found in many plant foods that can bind with calcium to form crystals. High oxalate intake may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals and can cause other symptoms in those with oxalate sensitivity.

  • Stay well-hydrated to help prevent oxalate crystal formation
  • Pair high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates
  • Cooking and boiling can reduce oxalate content in some foods
  • Spread oxalate intake throughout the day rather than one large dose
  • Consider probiotics - some gut bacteria break down oxalates

Sensitivities

What kale contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
TyramineSafe

Plant compounds

Salicylates
OxalatesSafe
LectinSafe
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsSafe

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoySafe
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelModerate

Diet fit

Where kale fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineFit
Low SalicylateFit
Low FermentationAvoid
EoE CompatibleFit
AIPFit
InflammationFit
Reflux DietFit
Specific CarbohydrateFit
Low FibreAvoid
Gastroparesis DietAvoid

Lifestyle diets

VeganFit
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
PaleoFit
Whole30Fit
KetoFit
Low-carbFit

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainFit
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingFit
Ingredient notes

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
Learn More

Oxalates Guide

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

Oxalates are compounds found in many plant foods that can bind with calcium to form crystals. High oxalate intake may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals and can cause other symptoms in those with oxalate sensitivity.

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 Oxalates sensitivity:

View all safe options

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

These foods are high in oxalates and may trigger symptoms:

View full list

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

  • 1Stay well-hydrated to help prevent oxalate crystal formation
  • 2Pair high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates
  • 3Cooking and boiling can reduce oxalate content in some foods
  • 4Spread oxalate intake throughout the day rather than one large dose
  • 5Consider probiotics - some gut bacteria break down oxalates

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 kale high in Oxalates?

Oxalates: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat kale if I'm sensitive to Oxalates?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Low Fermentation, Low Fermentation, and Low Fibre next for a fuller picture.