Back to Salicylates food checker
honey
Sweeteners
Is honey high in salicylates?
Is honey high or low in salicylates? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
Related checkers
Compare honey across criteria
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
- Build up tolerance slowly by reintroducing foods one at a time
- Sensitivity often improves with gut healing over time
Sensitivities
What honey contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where honey fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about 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
Explore related in Sweeteners
Compare similar foods to build a personalized list of swaps that work for your system.
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.
Get the AppFAQ
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 Vegan next for a fuller picture.