Back to Salicylates food checker
honey

honey

Sweeteners

Is honey high in salicylates?

Salicylates status
High

Find out whether honey 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
FODMAPsHigh
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseAvoid
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesHigh
OxalatesSafe
NickelSafe
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationAvoid

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationAvoid
VeganAvoid
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPFit
MediterraneanAvoid
DASH DietAvoid
EoE CompatibleFit
FODMAPsAvoid
Low FermentationAvoid
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for honey

Honey is one of the classic high-FODMAP foods because it carries far more fructose than glucose, so the excess fructose cannot all be absorbed and ferments in the gut. That is why honey is a frequent cause of bloating, gas and diarrhea for people with fructose malabsorption or IBS, and it is rated high FODMAP by Monash. It is also moderately high in salicylates and sits on the pro-inflammatory side as an added sugar.

Watch for

Very high in excess fructose, the main reason it triggers bloating, gas and loose stools in fructose malabsorption / Rated high FODMAP overall, so even a teaspoon can be enough for a sensitive gut / Moderately high in salicylates, a separate trigger if you are salicylate sensitive / Poorly tolerated in SIBO, where the sugars feed bacterial overgrowth

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 honey high in Salicylates?

Salicylates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.

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

Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.

What else should I check?

Check Fructose, Low Fermentation, and Inflammation next for a fuller picture.