
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. ...
- Other Foods. ...
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 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 you should know about sulfites in your food?
Sulfites (aka sulphites) are a salt compound that occur naturally in our bodies and can be added to many foods, beverages and toiletries. Essentially, sulfites help foods maintain their freshness such as being used to bleach potatoes, maintain freshness of dried foods, prevent growth of microorganisms such as in drinking water pipes, preserve ...
What foods have sulfa in them?
- Eggs. At some time in our lives, we’ve all smelled bad eggs.
- Meat and fish. Sulfur-containing amino acids (building blocks of protein) such as cysteine and methionine are abundant in animal products such as fish, meat, and shellfish.
- Fruit.
- Dairy goods are dairy products.

What are the symptoms of being allergic to sulfites?
Symptoms of a sulfite allergy include:Hives and itchiness.Upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.Trouble swallowing.Flushing.Dizziness.Drop in blood pressure.Trouble breathing.
Are there natural sulfites?
There are two types of sulfites, also known as sulfur dioxide: natural and added. Natural sulfites are just that, totally natural compounds produced during fermentation.
What foods have no sulfites?
Meat and Fish. As with fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and fowl are naturally free of sulfites, but beware at the deli counter. Processed meat like hot dogs, deli slices and sausages tend to contain sulfites, though there are brands offering sulfite-free varieties.
Do eggs contain sulphites?
Sulfites, also commonly called sulfur dioxide, are chemical compounds that contain the sulfite ion. They are found naturally in a variety of food sources, including black tea, peanuts, eggs, and fermented foods.
How do I avoid sulfites in my diet?
Should I avoid eating sulphites?Look at the ingredients list and avoid foods that say “contains: sulphites.”Avoid foods that say “may contain” or “may contain traces” of sulphites on the label.If you are unsure if a product contains sulphites, contact the manufacturer. ... Don't take chances. ... Be informed.More items...•
What vegetables have sulfites?
Sulfites also occur naturally in a number of foods such as maple syrup, pectin, salmon, dried cod, corn starch, lettuce, tomatoes, soy products, eggs, onions, garlic, chives, leeks and asparagus.
Are there sulfites in coffee?
While there are coffees high in sulfites, most coffees are sulfite-free. The raw form of coffee which is green beans do not contain sulfite. Whereas, the roasted coffee beans contain sulfur. This sulfur when broken down with oxygen makes sulfite.
Does cheese contain sulfites?
Sulfites are present in foods such as Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and some fermented foods. Preserved food and drinks such as wine, cider, beer, sausages, soft drinks, burgers, and dried fruits are usually high in sulfites.
What do sulphites do to your body?
Sulfite reactions normally affect breathing, but some people with sensitivity have skin reactions, such as hives, or digestive problems, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. Some individuals experience a mixture of symptoms, including respiratory, skin, and digestive reactions.
Is coffee high in sulfur?
Most difficult for some people is cutting out items that are traditionally used for quick bursts of energy, like coffee, chocolate, tea and even carob. All are foods high in sulfur. Most fruits, are low in sulfur.
Do sulfites cause inflammation?
While most people can tolerate sulfites without issue, some may experience stomach pain, headaches, hives, swelling, and diarrhea. If you're sensitive to these compounds, opt for red wine or wine made without added sulfites to help limit your consumption and prevent negative side effects.
Does butter have sulfites?
The analysis of commercial butter flavouring materials for sulphite by the optimized Monier-Williams method revealed detectable levels of apparent sulphur dioxide (1810 ppm for butter oil, 5760 ppm for butter flavour, and 14.5 ppm for butter derivative) even though the manufacturers claimed that no sulphites were used ...
Do lemons naturally contain sulfites?
“Sulfite levels are much higher in food than wine, up to ten times higher,” says Fisher. Foods that have more than 100 ppm sulfites include bottled lemon juice, dried fruit other than raisins and prunes, sauerkraut, and molasses.
What does sulfites do to your body?
Sulfite reactions normally affect breathing, but some people with sensitivity have skin reactions, such as hives, or digestive problems, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. Some individuals experience a mixture of symptoms, including respiratory, skin, and digestive reactions.
Are sulphites good for you?
Sulfites are a preservative many people are sensitive to that can severely aggravate asthma. Their use on fresh fruits and vegetables is banned in the United States, but sulfites are present in other foods. (Avoid products listing sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, sodium bisulfite or sodium sulfite on the label.)
Do organic foods contain sulfites?
Organic foods CAN contain sulfites. It is just common that many sulfite-free foods happen to be organic. People with sulfite sensitivities buy organic fruits and vegetables. Organic produce is less likely to be sprayed with chemicals and preservatives, meaning there is a better chance it won't have sulfites.
What are synthetic sulfites?
Synthetic sulfites added to wine are used as a mild antioxidant preservative and stabilizer. Sulfites are added to wine in the form of sulfur salts, SO2 gas or sulfur dioxide solutions. They are commonly used at several stages in the winemaking process. They can be added at the crusher when the fruit enters the production stream and after primary alcoholic fermentation, final levels are adjusted before bottling.
What is the measurement of sulfites?
Sulfites are measured in parts per million, or ppm. Following is a brief overview of maximum amounts of sulfites allowed in different classes of wines.
Can you use sulfites in wine?
Under the USDA National Organic Program, sulfites are a synthetic food additive. They are not allowed in organic wine or any other certified organic food products, such as dried fruits, jams, salad dressings or juices.
Is it safe to use sulfites?
Due to their history of use, sulfites have been generally regarded as safe, however there is also a small percentage of the population that is suspected of being sensitive to sulfites. This sensitivity can cause a wide range of reactions ranging from mild to severe; therefore the proper precautions should be taken.
Does wine have sulfites?
In over 30 years of organic wine making, we have never added sulfites or other synthetic additives to our wines. Sulfur is abundant in all life forms and takes many forms in living organisms. Small amounts of naturally occurring sulfites are present in wine and other foods.
What foods contain sulfites?
Deli meats, hot dogs and sausages contain sulfites. Fish and seafood with sulfites include canned clams, all types of shrimp, frozen lobster, scallops and dried cod.
What is sulfate used for?
Sulfites are used in the food industry to prevent oxidation and spoilage of food, preserve flavor, control bacterial growth and bleach food starches. Sulfites are metabolized by the enzyme sulfite oxidase. However, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology some people are enzyme deficient, ...
Does cider contain sulfites?
Most alcohols have sulfites, which are produced during the fermentation process. Instant tea, tea concentrates and cider also contain sulfites.
Can sulfite cause hives?
A sulfite allergy can cause asthma, hives, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizure, anaphylactic shock, dizziness and skin disorders. You can manage a sulfite allergy by avoiding sulfites, sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfate, potassium bisulfate, sulfating agents and sulfurous acid, all of which indicate the presence ...
Why are sulfites added to food?
These have been added to foods by major food processing companies because they have preservative effects and are very inexpensive. Sulfites are used in many different kinds of foods.
What is sulfur dioxide used for?
Fruits and Vegetables: All dried fruits, grapes, fresh-cut potatoes (as delivered to restaurants). Sulfur dioxide is used as fungicide on fresh grapes.
What are some dried fruits?
Dried Vegetables and Fruits: Chives, parsley, herbs, and spices, processed fruits, and all dried fruit, including raisins, prunes, canned, bottled or frozen fruit, maraschino cherries, and glazed fruit. Shredded coconut.
What foods contain sulfites?
Commonly listed foods include wines, dried fruits, baked goods, and pickled foods. Many of the top listed foods online do contain large levels of sulfites, but there are individuals who react to trace amounts. This makes knowing what food and ingredients have a low level of sulfites important too. A lack of understanding of the extent and severity of sulfite reactions seems to be where sulfite sensitivities are misunderstood. I’ve encountered doctors who have told me not to drink wine and I would “be okay.” This advice, while of course true, is not great because I was reacting to white salt, flours, and sugar because they are all bleached with sulfites!
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 sensitivity)
Do wines have sulfites?
Legally, labels only need to list “contains sulfites” if the food has above 10ppm of sulfites. Many wines have above this level, which is why it is well known that wines have sulfites. People with a sensitivity can react to trace amounts of sulfites, so the hidden sulfites in food need to be easy to recognize!
Is organic food sulfate free?
Organic foods CAN contain sulfites. It is just common that many sulfite-free foods happen to be organic. People with sulfite sensitivities buy organic fruits and vegetables. Organic produce is less likely to be sprayed with chemicals and preservatives, meaning there is a better chance it won’t have sulfites. It is not a gaurantee, but it may lower the risk of exposure.
Is it safe to eat sulfites?
Research says sulfites are safe to consume for those not sensitive, but due to their use as preservatives, they are more often found in food that isn’t so great for our health.
What are sulphites?
Sulphites. Sulphites are substances that naturally occur in some foods and the human body. They are also regulated food additives used as preservatives. Sulphites are used as a food additive and can also occur naturally in some foods. Sulphites can cause allergic-like symptoms in some individuals.
What is the best medicine for sulphite sensitivity?
If you have a sulphite sensitivity, keep an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen®, ALLERJECT®) with you at all times. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Do you have to label sulphites in Canada?
Labelling. In Canada, sulphites are required to be labelled when added as an ingredient or component to a food at any level, with a few exceptions for ingredients that are exempted from declaring all their components. For more information, please visit Health Canada’s web page about sulphites.
Can you eat if you don't have an epinephrine?
Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector. It’s recommend that if you do not have your auto-injector with you, that you do not eat. Check with manufacturers directly if you are not sure if a product is safe for you. For tips on eating out, visit our guide for dining out with food allergies.
Can sulphites cause allergies?
Sulphites can cause allergic-like symptoms in some individuals. Health Canada includes sulphites (a food additive) as a priority allergen. Sulphites do not cause true allergic reactions, and are generally grouped with the priority food allergens because sulphite-sensitive individuals may react to sulphites with allergy-like symptoms.
What are some foods that contain sulfur?
Condiments and spices: especially horseradish, mustard, marmite, curry powder, and ground ginger. Drinking water can also contain significant amounts of sulfur depending on where you live.
What is sulfur rich food?
All You Need to Know About Sulfur-Rich Foods. ). It’s all around you, including in the soil your food grows in, making it an integral part of many foods. Your body uses sulfur for various important functions, including building and repairing DNA, as well as protecting your cells against damage.
Why are sulfites added to food?
Instead, most studies focus on the side effects of sulfites — a preservative derived from sulfur that’s added to some alcoholic beverages and packaged foods to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
Why is sulfur important to your body?
Your body uses sulfur for various important functions, including building and repairing DNA, as well as protecting your cells against damage. Thus, including enough sulfur-rich foods in your diet is vital for your health ( 2 ).
What is sulfur used for?
Sulfur is a mineral that your body uses for various functions, including making and repairing DNA. Many foods and beverages, as well as some drinking water, medications, and supplements, contain sulfur.
Where can sulfur be found?
Sulfur is naturally found in a variety of foods and beverages. Sulfur-derived sulfite is another form of sulfur commonly added to some packaged foods.
What are the three most abundant minerals in the human body?
Sulfur, calcium, and phosphorus are the three most abundant minerals in the human body ( 3. Trusted Source. ). Sulfur plays an important role in crucial functions in your body, such as making protein, regulating gene expression, building and repairing DNA, and helping your body metabolize food ( 2. Trusted Source.
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

Sulfites in Foods
- Greater than 100 ppm of sulfites(very high levels; strict avoidance advised in people with sulfite allergy) 1. Dried fruits (excluding dark raisins and prunes) 2. Bottled lemon juice (non-frozen) 3. Bottled lime juice (non-frozen) 4. Wine 5. Molasses 6. Sauerkraut (and its juice) 7. Grape juices (white, white sparkling, pink sparkling, red sparklin...
Ingredients That May Contain Sulfites
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
- Vinegar
- Artificial flavors
The Problem with “Organic”
- An important thing to note is that organic does not mean sulfite-free. Organic foods CAN contain sulfites. It is just common that many sulfite-free foods happen to be organic. People with sulfite sensitivities buy organic fruits and vegetables. Organic produce is less likely to be sprayed with chemicals and preservatives, meaning there is a better chance it won’t have sulfites. It is not a g…
Now What?
- The GOOD news is that these ingredients and many of the foods on the list are pretty bad for you anyway. Sulfites are preservatives used to make food last long and natural, organic foods are what is best for our bodies. Research says sulfites are safe to consume for those not sensitive, but due to their use as preservatives, they are more often found in food that isn’t so great for ou…