Back to Salicylates food checker
spinach

spinach

Vegetables

Is spinach high in salicylates?

Salicylates status
Avoid

Find out whether spinach 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

HistamineHigh
Histamine LiberatorsModerate
FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesAvoid
OxalatesAvoid
NickelHigh
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesAvoid
TyramineModerate
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationAvoid

Diets

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

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for spinach

Spinach is genuinely nutritious and strongly anti-inflammatory, but it is also one of the highest-oxalate foods on the plate and grades high in histamine and salicylates. That combination is why a daily green smoothie or a big spinach salad can raise kidney-stone worries, itching or headaches even though the leaf itself is a nutrient powerhouse.

Watch for

Very high in oxalate, the single biggest reason spinach is limited on kidney-stone (calcium oxalate) diets / High in histamine and a moderate liberator, so it can drive itching, flushing or headaches in histamine intolerance / High in salicylates and a high-nickel food, extra triggers if you react to either / Often poorly tolerated in SIBO even though it is not especially high in the usual FODMAPs

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.

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FAQ

Is spinach high in Salicylates?

Salicylates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.

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

Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.

What else should I check?

Check Oxalates, Glutamates, and Low Fermentation next for a fuller picture.