Salicylates are natural plant compounds found across fruits, vegetables and spices. They matter only in diagnosed salicylate sensitivity, which is uncommon and best confirmed with a clinician rather than self-diagnosed.
The foods below are the highest sources of salicylates among the 125 foods in our database, ordered by mg per 100 g. Treat this as an orientation to which foods sit at the top of the range, not as a complete avoid-list — values vary with variety, growing conditions and preparation, and many foods have never been measured for salicylates.
For how salicylates behave in the body, see the Salicylates compound page.
Cinnamon — the top-ranked source
| Total Fat | 1.24 g |
|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 0.345 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 431 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.59 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 53.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.17 g |
| Protein | 3.99 g |
Foods highest in Salicylates
- Cinnamon — 15.0 mg per 100g. Manganese, calcium, cinnamaldehyde
- Turmeric — 12.0 mg per 100g. Manganese, iron, curcumin
- Dark Chocolate (70–85%) — 5.00 mg per 100g. Iron, magnesium, copper
- Ginger — 4.00 mg per 100g. Gingerol, vitamin B6, magnesium
- Almonds — 3.00 mg per 100g. Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese
- Orange — 2.40 mg per 100g. Vitamin C, folate, thiamine
- Strawberries — 1.40 mg per 100g. Vitamin C, manganese, folate
- Broccoli — 0.70 mg per 100g. Vitamin C, vitamin K, folate
- Tomato — 0.60 mg per 100g. Vitamin C, potassium, lycopene
How to reduce Salicylates in what you already eat
How to Reduce Salicylates
Salicylate content cannot be cooked out; management is source selection, ideally under professional guidance.
| Method | Typical reduction | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Peeling fruit | modest | Salicylates concentrate in skins. |
| Low-salicylate staples | lower load | Used during a supervised elimination trial. |
Common questions
Are salicylates bad for you? For most people, no. Salicylates occur naturally in everyday foods, and most of those highest in salicylates are foods worth eating. They matter mainly to the minority managing a specific diagnosis, which is who this list is for.
Do I need to avoid these foods? Almost certainly not, unless a clinician has advised it for a specific diagnosis. Most of the foods on this list are nutrient-dense and worth eating; the ones at the top are simply where salicylates concentrate.
Does cooking reduce salicylates? Salicylate content cannot be cooked out; management is source selection, ideally under professional guidance. The table above sets out the specific methods and how much each one removes.
Scientific references & clinical evidence
This guide is built on peer-reviewed research — verify the primary sources below.
