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kimchi

kimchi

Condiments & Sauces

Is kimchi high in sulfites?

Sulfites status
Low

Is kimchi 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.

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 kimchi contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsHigh
FructansModerate
GOSLow
FructoseLow
PolyolsLow
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineAvoid
Histamine LiberatorsAvoid
TyramineAvoid

Plant compounds

SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesSafe
LectinModerate
NightshadesModerate

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsHigh
Acidic FoodsLow

Additives

SulfitesLow
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesHigh

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoyLow
FishHigh
CrustaceansModerate
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelLow

Diet fit

Where kimchi fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineAvoid
Low SalicylateAvoid
Low FermentationHigh
EoE CompatibleAvoid
AIPAvoid
InflammationFit
Reflux DietAvoid
Specific CarbohydrateCheck
Low FibreAvoid
Gastroparesis DietAvoid

Lifestyle diets

VeganCheck
VegetarianCheck
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanCheck
DASH DietCheck
PaleoFit
Whole30Avoid
KetoFit
Low-carbFit

Religious diets

HalalCheck
KosherAvoid
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainAvoid
Buddhist VegetarianAvoid
Orthodox FastingAvoid
Ingredient notes

What to know about kimchi

Kimchi is one of the most layered food triggers going, which is why a spoonful can set off symptoms fast. As a long-fermented cabbage it is very high in histamine and tyramine and it also acts as a histamine liberator, then it piles on the chilli that makes it a nightshade, the garlic and onion that make it high in fructans, and free glutamate from the ferment. People search whether kimchi causes headaches, flushing or a racing heart, and with this many triggers in one jar the answer is often yes.

Watch for

  • Very high in histamine and a histamine liberator on top of that, a strong driver of flushing, headache and hives
  • High in tyramine from the long ferment, relevant for MAOI diets and fermented-food migraines
  • Contains chilli, so it counts as a nightshade, and the garlic and onion push it high in fructans (a FODMAP)
  • Fermentation raises free glutamate, which can add to the umami-food reactions some people get
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.

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FAQ

Is kimchi high in Sulfites?

Sulfites: moderate signal - portion size matters.

Can I still eat kimchi if I'm sensitive to Sulfites?

Try smaller portions and space it out.

What else should I check?

Check Histamine, Histamine Liberators, and Tyramine next for a fuller picture.