sage
Herbs & Spices
Is sage high in sulfites?
Is sage 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.
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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
- Check medication labels - some contain sulfites
- Look for 'contains sulfites' on labels (required above 10ppm)
Sensitivities
What sage contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where sage fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about sage
Sage carries no histamine, no gluten, no nickel and no dairy, but it grades high in salicylates, which is typical for the strongly aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Dose is the whole story here. Three leaves browned in butter is a very different exposure from a mug of sage tea or a sage capsule, and people who react usually got there through the concentrated forms rather than the seasoning.
Watch for
- High in salicylates.Sage is one of the potent aromatic herbs, and salicylate content tracks with that intensity of flavour
- Sage tea, sage extracts and sage supplements deliver far more of the plant than a few leaves in a roast, so they are the forms most likely to provoke a reaction
- Clean on histamine, tyramine, nickel and gluten, so if sage sets off symptoms, salicylate is the grade to look at first
- Moderate on FODMAPs, though culinary amounts are small enough that this rarely matters in practice
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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 sage high in Sulfites?
Sulfites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat sage if I'm sensitive to Sulfites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, Low Salicylate, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.