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dark chocolate

dark chocolate

Sweeteners

Is dark chocolate high in sulfites?

Sulfites status
Safe

Is dark chocolate high or low in sulfites? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.

Related checkers

Compare dark chocolate across criteria

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
  • Check medication labels - some contain sulfites
  • Look for 'contains sulfites' on labels (required above 10ppm)

Sensitivities

What dark chocolate contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsLow
FructansLow
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
LactoseLow

Histamine & Amines

HistamineHigh
Histamine LiberatorsHigh
TyramineLow

Plant compounds

SalicylatesSafe
OxalatesHigh
LectinSafe
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineModerate
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsSafe

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesLow

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsLow
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutLow
Tree NutsModerate
SoyModerate
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galLow
NickelHigh

Diet fit

Where dark chocolate fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineAvoid
Low SalicylateFit
Low FermentationLow
EoE CompatibleCheck
AIPAvoid
InflammationFit
Reflux DietAvoid
Specific CarbohydrateAvoid
Low FibreFit
Gastroparesis DietCheck

Lifestyle diets

VeganCheck
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
PaleoCheck
Whole30Avoid
KetoAvoid
Low-carbCheck

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainFit
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingCheck
Ingredient notes

What to know about dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has real upsides, since its cocoa flavanols make it anti-inflammatory, but that same cocoa is high in histamine, a histamine liberator, high in nickel and high in oxalate, with a moderate dose of caffeine. That is why a couple of squares can bring on a migraine, flushing or a nickel-type skin flare in sensitive people even though it is one of the better-for-you sweets.

Watch for

  • High in histamine and a histamine liberator, a well-known migraine and flushing trigger
  • High in nickel, cocoa is one of the classic foods that flares systemic nickel allergy
  • High in oxalate, worth portioning on a kidney-stone diet
  • Contains caffeine, less than coffee but enough to matter for caffeine-sensitive people
Learn More

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:

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 App

FAQ

Is dark chocolate high in Sulfites?

Sulfites: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat dark chocolate if I'm sensitive to Sulfites?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check AIP, Reflux Diet, and Specific Carbohydrate next for a fuller picture.