List of Foods Containing Salicylates

Salicylates are chemical compounds that are a major ingredient in pain-relieving medications; they are also a natural part of plants and are found in many foods, according to WebMD.com. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to salicylates include headaches, nasal congestion, stomach pains and swelling of the face, hands and feet. If you have had any of these symptoms after ingesting food, you may have an allergy to salicylates.

Fruits

• Fruits are a big part of a healthy, balanced diet, but some fruits contain salicylates and may cause an allergic reaction. These fruits include avocados, grapefruit, apples, blueberries, prunes, kiwi fruit, dates, peaches, plums, grapes, figs, cherries, strawberries and raspberries.

Vegetables

• Vegetables are another big part of a healthy, balanced diet. Vegetables that contain salicylates include hot peppers, cucumbers, alfalfa, cucumbers, cauliflower, radishes, mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, broad beans, broccoli and spinach.

Herbs, Spices and Condiments

• This category is difficult to narrow down, since spices are used in virtually all cooked foods. Dry spices and powders contain salicylates as well as vinegar, soy sauce, tomato sauces and pastes, jellies and jams.

Beverages

• Beverages that have salicylates include coffee, tea (both regular and herbal), apple cider, orange juice, sherry, beer, rum and wine. If you are allergic to salicylates, eliminate these drinks from your diet.

Nuts

• Nuts with salicylates include pine nuts, almonds, pistachios and peanuts. Even products that do not list nuts as an ingredient may be made and processed on machines that have come in contact with nuts. Therefore, if you have this allergy, read the label on the products you buy to see if they have remnants of nuts.

Candy

• Candy that contains salicylates includes breath mints, mint-flavored gum, licorice and peppermints. If you have an allergy to salicylates, be careful when you go to the movies, or chew gum and or participate in holiday celebrations, when candy and gum are abundant.

Other

• Other food items that contain salicylates include ice cream, gelatin and some cheeses. Since many cheeses are used everyday, keep an eye out for any of the allergic reactions that may be caused by salicylates.