basil
Herbs & Spices
Is basil high in sulfites?
Find out whether basil is high or low in sulfites, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why sulfites food checker matters
Sulfites are preservatives found in wine, dried fruits, and processed foods. They can trigger asthma symptoms, headaches, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Dried fruits are often high in sulfites unless labeled 'unsulfured'
- Wine, especially white, commonly contains sulfites
- Fresh foods are naturally sulfite-free
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for basil
Basil is a low-histamine herb, which is why it stays on most histamine-diet lists, but it is high in salicylates. If you react to salicylate-rich foods or to aspirin, fresh basil, pesto or a heavy basil garnish can trigger symptoms even though the same herb is treated as histamine-safe. Bear in mind a pinch of dried basil is a far smaller dose than a bowl of pesto.
Watch for
High in salicylates, so pesto and generous fresh-basil garnishes are a much bigger dose than a light sprinkle in a sauce / Low in histamine and not a histamine liberator, so it is one of the few herbs usually kept on low-histamine diets / Strongly anti-inflammatory, so if basil bothers you the likely cause is salicylate sensitivity specifically, not inflammation
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Sulfites Guide
Everything you need to know about sulfites sensitivity and smart food choices.
Sulfites are preservatives found in wine, dried fruits, and processed foods. They can trigger asthma symptoms, headaches, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
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 Sulfites sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in sulfites and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Sulfites, consider these strategies:
- 1Dried fruits are often high in sulfites unless labeled 'unsulfured'
- 2Wine, especially white, commonly contains sulfites
- 3Fresh foods are naturally sulfite-free
- 4Check medication labels - some contain sulfites
- 5Look for 'contains sulfites' on labels (required above 10ppm)
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 basil high in Sulfites?
Sulfites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat basil if I'm sensitive to Sulfites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, FODMAPs, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.