Benzoic Acid

Benzoic Acid is notable for histamine and salicylate. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.

Yes — Benzoic Acid is high in histamine. Benzoic acid (E210) is a histamine liberator - it carries none itself but can prompt mast cells to release yours - and it is the core of the pseudoallergen-free diet used in chronic urticaria. The thing the E number hides: it also occurs naturally, in cranberries, prunes and cinnamon, so a benzoate-free diet is not the same as an additive-free one. The honest caveat applies here as to the whole group: open-label diets show reactions that double-blind challenge confirms far less often. The Swiss list rates it 2 of 3 and marks it L, its letter for liberators of mast cell mediators — a presumed reason rather than a measurement.

Yes — Benzoic Acid is high in salicylate. Benzoic acid does not contain salicylate; it is its closest structural relative, differing by a single hydroxyl group, and salicylate-sensitive people commonly react to it. Used as a preservative in soft drinks and sauces. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.