Back to Salicylates food checker
thyme
Herbs & Spices
Is thyme high in salicylates?
Is thyme 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 thyme 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 thyme contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where thyme fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about thyme
Thyme is a Mediterranean herb that carries salicylates, so it is worth a second look if you are salicylate-sensitive and react to aspirin-rich foods. The good news for anyone who cooks with it constantly in roasts, stocks and slow braises is that thyme tests a step lower on salicylates than rosemary or oregano, and it is clean on histamine, FODMAPs, gluten and nightshade. A sprig tucked into a stock is a small dose; a herb-heavy marinade is where salicylate-sensitive people notice it.
Watch for
- Moderate salicylate, though a notch below rosemary and oregano, so it is the gentler pick among the woody Mediterranean herbs if you tolerate small amounts
- Slight oxalate content, only relevant in the concentrated dried form used generously
- A mild histamine-liberating note, rarely an issue at culinary sprig quantities
Explore related in Herbs & Spices
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 thyme high in Salicylates?
Salicylates: moderate signal - portion size matters.
Can I still eat thyme if I'm sensitive to Salicylates?
Try smaller portions and space it out.
What else should I check?
Check Low Salicylate, Histamine Liberators, and Oxalates next for a fuller picture.