Natural sources of salicylates

NOTE: Some raw foods, dry foods and juices contain more salicylates than cooked food. Salicylates are most concentrated just under the skin of certain fruits and vegetables and in the outer leaves of vegetables but salicylate content decreases as a food ripens. Some foods may be better tolerated than others or can be consumed in a very ripe, peeled or cooked form.

Salicylate–containing products

• Acne products

• Artificial colours and flavourings

• Bubble baths

• Cosmetics

• Fragrances and perfumes

• Herbal remedies

• Lozenges

• Medications

• Mouthwash and mint–flavoured toothpaste

• Muscle pain creams

• Shampoos and conditioners

• Shaving cream

• Sunscreens and tanning lotions

• Topical creams

• Wart or callus removers

Other products that contain salicylates

• Aspirin

• Acetylsalicylic acid

• Art products

• Artificial food colouring and flavouring

• Azo dyes

• Benzoates (preservatives)

• Benzyl salicylate

• Beta–hydroxy acid

• Choline salicylate

• Cleaning supplies

• Disalcid

• Ethyl salicylate

• Isoamyl salicylate

• Magnesium salicylate

• Menthol

• Methyl salicylate

• Mint

• Octylsalicylate

• Oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate)

• Peppermint

• Phenylethyl salicylate

• Salicylic acid

• Salicylaldehyde

• Salicylamide

• Salsalate

• Sodium salicylate

• Spearmint

• Tartrazine yellow food dye

NOTE: In addition to the sensitivity of some individuals to salicylates, aspirin has been linked to incidences of Reye’s Syndrome (a disease that affects all organs and can cause swelling of the brain and liver) in children. Use of aspirin during flu and viral illnesses should be avoided for all children.

Foods that contain little or no salicylates