List of Foods for Sulfite Sensitivity
- Fruits and Vegetables When it comes to fruits and vegetables, reach for fresh and frozen varieties that are naturally free of sulfites. ...
- Meat and Fish As with fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and fowl are naturally free of sulfites, but beware at the deli counter. ...
- Breads, Cereals and Milk Products Fresh-made bread and cereals like oatmeal are sulfite-free and safe to eat. ...
- Other Foods ...
Full Answer
What foods are high in sulfite?
What foods are high in sulfites? – Baked goods. – Soup mixes. – Jams. – Canned vegetables. – Pickled foods. – Gravies. – Dried fruit. – Potato chips. How do you know if you are allergic to sulfites? Symptoms of a Sulfites Allergy Hives and itchiness. Upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Trouble swallowing. Flushing.
What foods are high in sulfites?
- Beet sugar
- Beer
- Canned potatoes
- Coconut
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Fruit salad, freash
- Frozen pizza and pie dough
- Gelatin
- Grapes
What foods have naturally occurring sulfites?
What foods contain sulfites naturally?
- Dried fruits (excluding dark raisins and prunes)
- Bottled lemon juice (non-frozen)2?
- Bottled lime juice (non-frozen)
- Wine.
- Molasses2?
- Sauerkraut (and its juice)
- Grape juices (white, white sparkling, pink sparkling, red sparkling)
- Pickled cocktail onions.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to sulfites?
- Skin symptoms: itchy skin, rash, hives
- Digestive symptoms: stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea
- Respiratory Symptoms: wheezing, cough, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest
What Are Sulfites and What Are They Used for?
Sulfites are chemicals used as preservatives to prevent browning and discoloration in foods and beverages during preparation, storage, and distribu...
How Do I Determine If A Food Product Contains Sulfites?
Look on food labels for any of the following sulfite-containing ingredients: 1. Sulfur dioxide 2. Potassium bisulfite 3. Potassium metabisulfite 4....
What Types of Health Problems May Arise from Sensitivity to Sulfites?
Sulfites have been implicated as a cause of asthma symptoms that may range from mild wheezing to potentially life-threatening asthmatic reactions....
How Is Sulfite Sensitivity Diagnosed?
Your doctor may suspect that you are sensitive to sulfites based on your medical history and aspects of your asthma. The diagnosis of sulfite sensi...
How Is Sulfite Sensitivity Treated?
The best treatment of sulfite sensitivity is a lifelong avoidance of sulfite-containing foods and beverages.
How do I avoid foods that contain sulfites?
Check for these sulfite-containing ingredients on the label of your food, beverage or medication:
What symptoms could I experience if I have a sulfite sensitivity?
People with sulfite-sensitive asthma experience asthma symptoms when they eat foods or drink beverages that contain sulfites. Estimates regarding the prevalence of sulfite sensitive asthma vary. Most reactions happen due to inhalation (breathing in) of sulfur dioxide that comes from sulfite-containing foods you eat or drink.
What is a sulfite sensitivity?
Sulfites are chemicals used as preservatives to slow browning and discoloration in foods and beverages during preparation, storage and distribution. Sulfites have been used in wine making for centuries.
How long does it take for sulfite to work?
In most cases, the initial solution dose is too small for the sulfite-sensitive person to react, so increasing doses are administered, waiting 20 to 30 minutes between steps.
When did sulfites become banned?
Due to cases of severe reactions to sulfites, a ban by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) went into effect in August, 1986. This ban prohibited use of sulfites in fresh fruits and vegetables. Although reactions to sulfites were recognized ...
Can sulfites be used in food?
Although reactions to sulfites were recognized initially with salad bars in restaurants, this has not been a source for sulfite exposure for more than three decades. Sulfites continue to be used in potatoes, shrimp, and beer/wine, and are also used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Do you have to avoid sulfites?
A note from Cleveland Clinic. If you have a sulfite sensitivity, you’ll need to avoid substances containing sulfites throughout your life. Talk to your healthcare provider for directions on what to avoid and what to do if you ever have a reaction.
How to manage sulfite sensitivity?
The best way to manage sulfite sensitivity is to limit your exposure. Find out which foods are safe and which ones to steer clear of and you'll find it easy to manage your problem.
Why are sulfites good for you?
Sulfites preserve the flavor of food, prevent bacteria growth and reduce spoilage. They’re also used to preserve medication and increase shelf life. While the Food and Drug Administration deems sulfites safe, some people are sensitive to these preservatives. You may experience hives, flushing, nasal congestion, wheezing and asthma symptoms if you have a sulfite intolerance. The best way to manage sulfite sensitivity is to limit your exposure. Find out which foods are safe and which ones to steer clear of and you'll find it easy to manage your problem.
What fruits and vegetables have sulfur?
Fruits and vegetables that require preserving tend to have sulfites. This includes dried varieties, processed fruits like maraschino cherries, tomato paste and puree and frozen juices , except orange juice. Additionally, frozen sliced apples and mushrooms often have sulfites as preservatives. Fresh grapes contain a natural form of sulfur, but many people suffering with sulfite sensitivity can enjoy fresh grapes since natural sulfur differs from sulfites used as preservatives.
Do frozen apples have sulfur?
Additionally, frozen sliced apples and mushrooms often have sulfites as preservatives. Fresh grapes contain a natural form of sulfur, but many people suffering with sulfite sensitivity can enjoy fresh grapes since natural sulfur differs from sulfites used as preservatives.
Does vinegar contain sulfites?
Pickles, relishes and foods made with vinegar, except distilled white vinegar, contain sulfites. Additionally, watch out for jams and jellies that typically contain the preservative in the form of pectin. If you miss having jam with your breakfast, try making fresh jam without pectin or look for pectin-free jam. References.
Does wine have sulfites?
Certain alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, cider and wine, contain sulfites. It's possible to find sulfite-free beer and wine. However, unless the label says it’s sulfite free, assume that it isn't. Pickles, relishes and foods made with vinegar, except distilled white vinegar, contain sulfites. Additionally, watch out for jams and jellies that typically contain the preservative in the form of pectin. If you miss having jam with your breakfast, try making fresh jam without pectin or look for pectin-free jam.
Is deli meat unhealthy?
If you choose to purchase deli meats, check the packaging. Because processed meat is considered unhealthy, you’ll want to limit your intake regardless. Additionally, steer clear of smoked, canned, cured and dried meats and canned tuna.
What foods contain sulfites?
Greater than 100 ppm of sulfites (very high levels; strict avoidance advised in people with sulfite allergy) Dried fruits (excluding dark raisins and prunes) Bottled lemon juice (non-frozen) 2 . Bottled lime juice (non-frozen) Wine.
Why are sulfites added to food?
These include: Reducing bacterial spoilage. Slowing the browning of fruit, vegetables, and seafood. Inhibiting growth of bacteria during fermentation of wines. Conditioning of dough in the frozen pie and pizza crust. Bleaching effect for maraschino cherries and hominy.
How many ppm of sulfites are safe?
Less than 10 ppm of sulfites (very low sulfite levels, generally do not pose a risk, even for people with sulfite allergy)
What inhibits gut bacteria growth?
Irwin SV, Fisher P, Graham E, Malek A, Robidoux A. Sulfites inhibit the growth of four species of beneficial gut bacteria at concentrations regarded as safe for food . PLoS One. 2017;12 (10):e0186629. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0186629
Why do we use sulfur in food?
Diagnosis. Foods. Medications. Prevention and Treatment. Sulfites have been used for centuries, mainly as food additives to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. But these sulfur-based compounds also occur naturally in foods, such as fermented beverages and wines.
When did sulfites stop being used in food?
An increase in reactions led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the use of sulfites in fresh foods in 1986, 1 particularly on fresh lettuce in salad bars.
What is sulfur dioxide?
Sulfite, or sulfur dioxide, has anti-microbial properties. It prevents the growth of yeast, bacteria, and molds by killing the microorganisms and preventing any remaining ones from reproducing. It also keeps food from getting brown by preventing oxidation. 7
What foods can you eat with sulfites?
Common foods that may be treated with sulfites include fresh and frozen shellfish such as shrimp and crab, wine, lettuce and other packaged salad greens, dried fruit, maraschino cherries, pickles, saurkraut, lemon, lime or grape juice.
What to do if you have a sulfa allergy?
If you experience a reaction such as this after taking any antibiotic or other medication, contact your doctor immediately and seek emergency help. Advertisement.
Is sulfonamide the same as sulfur dioxide?
Sulfonamides are not the same as sulfites such as sulfur dioxide or sulfate salts. These chemical compounds are sometimes used to preserve foods. Your body metabolizes sulfites and sulfates differently than it does sulfa drugs. Being allergic to sulfa drugs doesn't predispose you to a sulfite allergy and vice-versa.
Can sulfa cause hives?
Image Credit: Milous Chab/Hemera/Getty Images. Sulfa drugs can cause allergic reactions in some people, including hives, swelling and difficulty breathing. If you've ever experienced a reaction to a sulfa drug, your doctor may have diagnosed you with a sulfa allergy.
Can you have sulfonamides in food?
Sulfonamides are used in medications, not foods. If you have a sulfa allergy, you don't have to avoid any particular foods. Though some people with sulfa allergies may also be sensitive to sulfites in food, the two allergies are not related.
Is Septrin a sulfa allergy?
Sulfa Allergy. Antibiotics such as Co-Trimoxazole, sold under the brand name Septrin; Sulfamethoxazole, brand-name Gantanol; and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, brand name Bactrim; are classed as sulfonamides. These drugs may be used to treat bacterial infections of the digestive or reproductive tracts. They're effective for many people, but some ...
Do you have to wear a bracelet if you have a sulfate allergy?
If you're ever hospitalized, you may wear a bracelet that informs hospital personnel that you have a sulfa allergy. But sulfa drugs and foods that contain sulfites or sulfates aren't chemically related, so you don't have to worry about sulfa in your diet. Video of the Day.
What to eat with sulfate sensitivity?
There are other great savory options for those with sulfite sensitivity. Avocado toast if using a fresh avocado and sulfate-free bread is healthy and delicious. Cream cheese with a whole-grain, sulfate-free bagel is another savory option. Some prefer their oatmeal savory.
What foods are low in sulfite?
First what needs to be taken out of a low sulfite diet is processed foods. Many frozen breakfasts have preservatives (not to mention a ton of sodium) even if they are labeled ‘healthy’ or organic. Fast food breakfasts are also often filled with sulfites. Oatmeal at McDonald’s comes with dried fruits which lists sulfites on the package. Most dried fruit is treated with sulfur dioxide as a preservative. Breakfast tacos are often made with tortillas that contain sulfates. Reading labels can help you learn which items are available if you get in a pinch, but overall fast-food breakfast is a no go.
What to Wash All This Delicious Low Sulfite Food Down With?
That being said, sometimes you just need/want juice. Orange juice can be a low sulfite option, especially if fresh squeezed. As are other fresh squeezed juices like grapefruit or watermelon. Just be sure to know if filtered or bottled water was added to the juice. Coffee is also low sulfite, except instant coffee is not. I like my coffee black, but if that’s not your thing, milk or dairy free alternatives without gums or corn syrup may be okay. A good dairy free alternative you can try is Califa Oatmilk Made Without Gums which I found at Target. Tea made with loose tea leaves are usually a good option. Mimosas are definitely off limits because champagne has a high level of sulfites.
What foods contain ferrous sulfate?
I recommend reading ingredients and avoid those that contain ferrous sulfate, dried fruit, dried coconut, corn syrup and of course food colorings. Some low sulfite options can include Cheerios, Rice Krispies and Shredded Wheat. Read the labels before trying them, as ingredients can change periodically.
Can you eat cottage cheese without sulfites?
Traditional Breakfasts Without Sulfites. If you are not a savory breakfast person there are many options. Cottage cheese contains sulfites but approximately the same amount as eggs. If you can tolerate eggs, you may be ok with cottage cheese and fresh fruit. Avoid dried fruit if you are sensitive to sulfites.
Do pancakes have sulfites?
If you are craving pancakes or waffles, there are some ‘healthy’ waffles in the frozen section that don’t have sulfites. ‘365 Homestyle Waffles’, are low sulfite and made without eggs. You are better off, however, making them at home with Unbleached Flour and consider not using an egg if you are very sensitive to sulfites. Aunt Jemima’s Original Pancake Mix is also low sulfite. Maple syrup naturally contains sulfites, so limit use but if you are using a teaspoon or so, you may be okay depending on your level of sensitivity. To be safe, you can use honey.
Does cereal contain sulfites?
Unfortunately, eating clean or organic doesn’t always ensure the elimination of sulfites. Many foods such as yogurts that contain gelatin or corn syrup and organic foods such as cereal can contain sulfites. Eating a low sulfite breakfast entails reading labels and being aware of what is actually on your plate.
Why are sulfites used in food?
Sulfites are present in most processed foods. They are used for preservation, preventing bacterial growth, maintaining color and more.
What are the different types of sulfites?
On a food ingredient label, look out for sulfite types like sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite and sodium sulfite. Anyone who has a sulfite sensitivity may experience adverse reactions to a food that include these ingredients.
What Is Sulfite?
A sulfite is a chemical food additive that’s commonly used as a preservative. Sulfites are used in foods and beverages to limit bacterial contamination.
Why are sulfites bad for you?
They’re also detrimental to your health for several additional reasons. Sulfites have been linked to free radical damage in the body, which is why they make the list of potential cancer-causing foods.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
low blood pressure. abdominal pain. diarrhea. asthmatic reactions, like difficulty breathing. anaphylaxis. Exposures that can cause allergy symptoms include consuming sulfites in foods and drinks, taking pharmaceutical products made with these additives, and exposure through occupational settings.
What percentage of asthma patients have sulfite sensitivity?
3 percent to 10 percent of people with asthma have a sulfite sensitivity, with steroid-dependent asthmatics and chronic asthmatic children at the greatest risk.
Why do winemakers add sulfites to food?
Sulfites are added to foods to control microbial growth, prevent browning and limit food spoilage. Winemakers add them to prevent oxidation and support freshness.
What foods contain sulfites?
But many other foods can contain sulfites as well – from fresh grapes, dried fruit, shelf-stable lemon and lime juices and sriracha sauce to frozen foods, including potato products, mushrooms, doughs and seafood.
What are sulfites in food?
Sulfites describe a family of food additives with names like sodium or potassium bisulfite, sodium or potassium sulfite, and sulphur dioxide. They’re used as a preservative to prevent bacterial fermentation and spoilage – most famously in wines, so that your merlot doesn’t turn to vinegar before you are able to enjoy it. But many other foods can contain sulfites as well – from fresh grapes, dried fruit, shelf-stable lemon and lime juices and sriracha sauce to frozen foods, including potato products, mushrooms, doughs and seafood. The Food and Drug Administration’s food labeling regulations mandate that any food containing sulfites include this information on the label, either in the ingredient list or in a special allergen disclosure statement that the food “contains sulfites” immediately following the ingredient list.
How is sulfite sensitivity diagnosed?
As such, sulfite sensitivity is generally diagnosed as the result of a thorough food and symptom history to help isolate the likely triggers. It's treated with a lifelong avoidance of sulfite-containing foods and medicines.
Why is sulfate intolerance so difficult to nail down?
Sulfite intolerance can be especially tricky to nail down, because sulfites are food additives – not foods themselves. Since many of us eat out with regularity, we lack visibility into the origin of ingredients used in our food and therefore don’t know whether they are likely to contain sulfites or not.
Can sulfites cause sensitivity?
Sulfite sensitivity can also develop later in life, so people may find themselves reacting to foods that they had previously tolerated. Experts aren’t entirely clear as to why certain people have adverse reactions to ingesting sulfites. Nor is there an objective clinical test to diagnose sulfite sensitivity.
Do sulfites cause asthma?
For the majority of people, sulfites don’t pose any issues. In fact, sulfite sensitivity is estimated to affect only about 1 percent of the general population, though it may be somewhat higher – up to 5 percent – among people who have asthma.
Is red wine sulfate free?
Be cautious with wine (and grape juice). All wine has some naturally occurring sulfites, but red wines in particular tend to have added sulfites as well. You may be able to find a sulfite-free red wine in the organic section of your wine shop, but tolerance of even white wine or a sulfite-free red wine may not be a given.
Allergists Can Diagnose a Sulfite Sensitivity And Other Food Intolerances
The quickest, safest, and most efficient method of diagnosis may be by seeing an Allergist and being tested for a sulfite sensitivity. Sulfites can be introduced in increasing amounts under close observation of a physician while symptoms are observed.
My Experience With Trying To Get Diagnosed
Personally, I have spoken to several specialists regarding my symptoms and my sensitivity. Even as a physician, I have been met with mixed responses. One cited the FDA ban from 1986 stating that since then, sulfites have been reduced in food products enough to be a negligible risk.
So How Do I Know I Have A Sulfite Sensitivity?
Because I have been pregnant or nursing over the past several years, I have not taken tests for sulfite sensitivities. But I feel that any time I have a substance high in sulfites, it’s a test in itself. I always joke that I can drink a teaspoon of lemon juice concentrate and show anyone that doesn’t believe me.
Sulfite Sensitivity Is Not Well Known So Keep Digging
I share all of this in hopes to help explain that diagnosis of a sulfite sensitivity may be frustrating, redundant, and difficult, even for a physician such as myself but not impossible. The whole purpose of this blog is to make your journey easier. More of a straight path to truth, rather than a roller coaster.