Back to Salicylates food checker
cucumber

cucumber

Vegetables

Is cucumber high in salicylates?

Salicylates status
Moderate

Find out whether cucumber is high or low in salicylates, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.

Sensitivity notes

Why salicylates food checker matters

Salicylates are natural chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They're related to aspirin and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals including hives, asthma symptoms, nasal congestion, and digestive issues.

  • Start by eliminating the highest sources: spices, herbs, and concentrated products
  • Peel fruits and vegetables when possible to reduce salicylate content
  • Fresh is usually better tolerated than dried or concentrated

Triggers

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesSafe
NickelSafe
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinAvoid
Low FermentationSafe

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationFit
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
EoE CompatibleFit
FODMAPsAvoid
Low FermentationFit
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for cucumber

Cucumber is a light, hydrating, low-calorie salad vegetable that is clean on histamine, oxalates, nickel, gluten and sulfites, and low FODMAP in normal servings. Its two flags are moderate salicylates (graded C) and a high lectin grade (E), with the lectins concentrated in the peel and seeds. For most people cucumber is an easy, gentle food, and peeling and deseeding trims the main caveat.

Watch for

Graded high in lectins (E), which sit mainly in the skin and seeds, so peeling and scooping the seeds lowers the load for lectin-sensitive eaters / Moderate salicylates (graded C), a minor flag on a strict salicylate diet / Medium FODMAP only in large volumes; a normal salad portion is low FODMAP

Learn More

Salicylates Guide

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

Salicylates are natural chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They're related to aspirin and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals including hives, asthma symptoms, nasal congestion, and digestive issues.

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 Salicylates sensitivity:

View all safe options

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

These foods are high in salicylates and may trigger symptoms:

View full list

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

  • 1Start by eliminating the highest sources: spices, herbs, and concentrated products
  • 2Peel fruits and vegetables when possible to reduce salicylate content
  • 3Fresh is usually better tolerated than dried or concentrated
  • 4Build up tolerance slowly by reintroducing foods one at a time
  • 5Sensitivity often improves with gut healing over time

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 cucumber high in Salicylates?

Salicylates: moderate signal - portion size matters.

Can I still eat cucumber if I'm sensitive to Salicylates?

Try smaller portions and space it out.

What else should I check?

Check Lectin, FODMAPs, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.