The Salicylate-Free Diet

What Are Salicylates?

Salicylates are natural chemicals found in many plants — and in aspirin. Some people are sensitive to them and may notice symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinus pressure, hives, stomach upset, or asthma-like breathing. A low-salicylate diet limits high-salicylate foods to help identify triggers and ease symptoms. Salicylate content can vary with ripeness and growing conditions, so use this guide as a starting point and follow your own tolerance.

Foods to Limit or Avoid (Higher Salicylate)

Fruits: Apples, apricots, berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry), cherries, grapes, plums, peaches, melons, kiwi, pineapple, oranges, dates, and all dried fruits

Vegetables: Tomatoes and tomato sauce, cucumbers, green/bell peppers, radishes, broccoli, zucchini, canned or pickled vegetables

Herbs & Spices: Cinnamon, curry, paprika, cumin, turmeric, oregano, thyme, basil, nutmeg, ginger, mint and peppermint

Nuts & Fats: Almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, avocado, olives and olive oil

Beverages: Tea, coffee (regular), beer, wine, spirits, soda, and juices from the fruits above

Other: Honey, licorice, mint candies and gum, jams/jellies, foods with yellow dye #5 (tartrazine)

Foods to Enjoy (Lower Salicylate)

Fruits: Bananas, pears (peeled), pawpaw/papaya, mango, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines, rhubarb

Vegetables: Asparagus, cabbage, carrots, celery, green/wax beans, lettuce, spinach, peas, squash, fresh mushrooms, potatoes

Grains & Starches: Breads, plain cereals, oats, rice, pasta and noodles, popcorn, rolls, bagels

Protein & Dairy: Fresh meat, poultry, fish, and eggs; milk, plain cheese and yogurt (unflavored)

Fats & Nuts: Butter, margarine, pecans, sunflower/canola and other vegetable oils

Beverages: Water, milk, decaffeinated coffee, and juices from the fruits above

Watch for Non-Food Sources of Salicylates

Salicylates aren't only in food. Ask your pharmacist before using: aspirin and aspirin-containing pain relievers, Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate), muscle rubs and creams with methyl/magnesium salicylate (e.g., Icy Hot, Bengay, wintergreen oil), mint or wintergreen toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints and gum, and personal-care products such as some lotions, perfumes, sunscreens, and acne washes with salicylic acid. Always read labels.

Tips for Success

• Peel your produce. Salicylates concentrate in the skin — peeling fruits and vegetables lowers the amount.
• Choose ripe over unripe. Fully ripe fruit is generally lower in salicylates.
• Pick fresh over processed. Canned, pickled, dried, and heavily spiced foods tend to be higher.
• Keep a food and symptom diary. Note what you eat and how you feel to spot your personal triggers.
• Reintroduce one food at a time. After symptoms settle, add foods back slowly to test tolerance.
• Tell every provider. Let your doctors and pharmacist know you are salicylate-sensitive.

When to Contact Us

Reach out to Sleep & Sinus Centers of Georgia if your symptoms continue despite dietary changes, or before stopping any prescribed medication. Seek emergency care for any difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, or a severe allergic reaction.

This handout is for general patient education and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutritional advice. Salicylate levels reported in foods vary between sources and change with ripeness, variety, and preparation, so tolerance differs from person to person. Please discuss any major dietary change with your physician or a registered dietitian.