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
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 change Salicylates content? Often, yes — preparation method can matter as much as food choice. The reduction table above covers what is known for Salicylates.
Is this list complete? No. It ranks the foods we hold measured Salicylates data for. A food’s absence here means we have not mapped it, not that it is low in Salicylates.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you are managing a diagnosed condition, decisions about restricting Salicylates should be made with your clinician or a registered dietitian.
Scientific references & clinical evidence
This guide is built on peer-reviewed research — verify the primary sources below.